Indian Abroad - July 1-15, 2021, Vol 1 Issue 10

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

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Australia on 'high Sydney extends lockdown to more areas alert' amid new Covid outbreaks Portraying the true image of Indian women, meet author Indrani Ganguly -Page 5

GOPIO GC Annual Celebration Dinner organised - Page 13

Canberra, June 30: Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced that the country is on "high alert" with fresh Covid-19 outbreaks reports in communities.

far reported a total of 30,562 confirmed Covid-19 cases since the pandemic started early last year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The death toll currently stood According to the latest figures at 910. from the Department of Health, the country has so Continued on page 3

India logs least daily Covid cases since March 18 India’s evolving culinary culture travel cafes -Page 27

Sydney, June 26: Australia’s most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) on Saturday extended lockdown to more areas in its capital Sydney as local Covid-19 transmissions continued to increase.

From 6 p.m. on Saturday, a two-week lockdown will be imposed in Greater Sydney and some surrounding areas including Wollongong, Blue Mountains and the Central Coast, Xinhua news agency reported.

Continued on page 3

Indian Foreign Minister assures Indian community of Vishal Jood’s release from custody

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he 24-year-old youth had been arrested in Sydney on 16 April for alleged targeted attacks against certain members of the Indian community in Australia as per the claims of the NSW police.

Continued on page 7

India always ready to give befitting reply if provoked: Rajnath

Marshalling the art of Kalaripayattu- Page 27

Pranutan: OTT is creating fantastic content - Page 38

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New Delhi, June 29: India reported 37,566 new Covid-19 cases and 907 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday. This is lowest fresh cases of Covid since March 18.

It is for the second time in over two and half months that the death toll has come below the 1,000-mark and the 11th consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark.

Continued on page 6 /IndianAbroadNews

New Delhi, June 28: India believes in resolving disputes through dialogue with neighbouring countries, but is always prepared to give a befitting reply if provoked, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday.

During his address to the officers and jawans of the Indian Army’s 14 Corps at Karu Military Station in Ladakh, Singh stated that

India is a peace-loving nation that never resorts to any kind of aggression, but at the same time, it is always prepared to give a befitting Continued on page 15 reply if provoked.

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Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

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LEAD STORIES

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Covid-19 in Australia Northern Territory locks down part of community

Sydney extends lockdown to more areas Continued from page 1

residence.

"The Northern Territory is now facing its biggest threat since the Covid crisis began. I cannot rule out the lockdown being longer," Gunner said.

Darwin, June 28: Chief Minister of Australia's Northern Territory (NT) Michael Gunner said the state "is now facing its biggest threat" since the Covid-19 crisis began, adding that its capital city Darwin would enter a lockdown for 48 hours.

The full lockdown was effective from local time 1 p.m. on Sunday at Darwin, Palmerston and Darwin rural areas, following confirmation of four new positive cases linked to a

mine, according to the NT government's statement.

According to Australian media, the cases could be linked to the highly infectious Delta strain, reports Xinhua news agency.

The lockdown period means people living in these areas are only permitted to leave home for five reasons, including for medical treatment, essential goods and services, essential work and so on.

The announcement came after Australia's most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) on Saturday extended the ongoing lockdown to more areas as local transmission in the biggest city of Sydney continued to increase.

Jamie Chalker, NT's police commissioner, assured local people that no positive cases were found in remote communities.

Till date, NT has reported 181 coronavirus cases and no deaths.

The country's overall infection tally and death toll currently stood at 30,499 and 910, respectively.

Masks must be worn if people leave their place of

Australia on 'high alert' amid new Covid outbreaks

Continued from page 1

He announced that Australia has surpassed 7.5 million administered Covid-19 vaccines, which includes over 5.95 million first dose vaccinations, or 28.9 per cent of the population, and over 1.47 million second dose vaccinations or 7.1 per cent of the population.

"We have over 4.4 million Australians over the age of 50 or 51.3 per cent of the over 50s population that have been vaccinated, 60 per cent of over 60s, and 68.5 percent of over 70s, our most vulnerable group," he said.

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everal capital cities of the country's eight states and territories have been forced into lockdowns to prevent the spread of the virus, with more than 10 million

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people subject to stay-athome orders.

"We are obviously on high alert and high watch," Hunt told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

Despite some calls for the international arrival cap to be lowered amid the current outbreaks, Hunt urged states to accept as many residents and citizens into hotel quarantine as they can.

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nder the new restrictions, which will last until midnight of July 9, people will only able to get out of their homes for reasons including having to work or get educated outside the home, seeking medical attention, and purchasing essential goods and services.

which has always been our target from the beginning of the pandemic."

Community sport was not permitted and weddings will be banned from 11.59 p.m. Sunday, while funerals will be limited to one person per 4 square meters with a cap of 100 people.

Masks remain mandatory for all indoor venues except homes.

The state's decision came after the state saw 82 locally acquired cases in the latest outbreak since June 16, when the index case for the Bondi cluster, a driver who transported international flight crew was found to be infected with the Delta variant.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told the media on Saturday afternoon that the authorities tightened the restrictions following health advice in a bid to curb the transmission given the high infectiousness of the Delta variant.

Berejiklian said an earlier end of the two-week lockdown if the state could realise zero local transmission is unlikely, and she expected more cases in the coming days with the increasing exposure sites and public transport routes.

"When you have a contagious variant like the Delta virus, a three-day doesn't work. If we're going to do this, we need to do it properly," said Berejiklian.

"The best advice from health is that we should brace ourselves for additional cases. Because the contact tracers have done such a good job in identifying potential cases and their close contacts, just from those numbers alone and how transmissible the virus is, we know that the numbers will go up in the next few days," she said.

"If after seven days there's a dramatic change in the trend, we'll obviously evaluate the situation.

But at this stage, the best health advice we have is that a two-week period or until midnight on Friday, July 9, is necessary, in order to make sure that we get to our target of zero community transmission, /indianabroadnews

Even for those who already left Greater Sydney, so long as they have been in the zone since June 21, they have to follow the stay-athome orders for that period for the 14 days since they left.

Berejiklian also flagged to offer financial support for local businesses and people in need.

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LEAD STORIES

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Covid-19 in Australia

NSW announces stimulus package for affected businesses holidays when a lot of regional areas were counting on more visitors to help boost local economies," said NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro on Tuesday.

"These grants will help many get through the winter, and just like after the bushfires, the floods and the first wave of Covid-19, the regions will lead NSW out the other side."

Sydney, June 29: The government of Australia's New South Wales (NSW) state announced on Tuesday a stimulus package for businesses affected by the recent Covid-19 lockdown.

From 6 p.m. on June 26, Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong entered a two-week lockdown until July 9 in response to

a growing outbreak of the highly virulent Delta variant, reports Xinhua news agency.

In response to the restrictions, grants of up to A$10,000 ($7,600) will be offered to keep small businesses afloat, helping them keep paying their rent and workers.

"This latest outbreak has coincided with school

NSW recorded 19 new locally acquired cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total locally acquired cases reported since June 16 to 149.

The state has so far reported 5,798 cases and 54.

Meanwhile, Australia's overall infection tally and death toll stood at 30,528 and 910, respectively.

NZ to resume travel bubble with some Aus states or were at a location of interest, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said.

He said there have been no cases of Covid-19 detected in the community after nearly 2,500 negative results from contacts of the case (including repeat negative results from the case's close contacts) and wastewater testing Wellington, June 29: New Zealand will resume the quarantine free travel bubble with some Australian states from Sunday after Wellington relaxes Covid-19 restrictions on Tuesday night.

The capital will move back down to alert level 1 from midnight on Tuesday due to zero community transmission found after the Covid-19 alert moved up to level 2 about a week ago, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a press conference.

The raising of alert level on Wednesday was due to a

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Sydney tourist who visited Wellington between June 18 and 21 and tested positive for the more infectious Delta variant of Covid-19 upon returning to Australia, reports Xinhua news agency.

Under alert level 2, any mass gatherings are prohibited and limited to 100 people.

Facial masks are mandatory on public transport.

As Wellington prepares to return to Alert Level 1 tonight, people in the region are urged to remain vigilant and get tested if they are feeling unwell

The pause on the quarantine free travel from South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Victoria will be lifted at 11.59 p.m. on Sunday, Hipkins said, adding this could change if the situation in Australia evolves.

The pause with Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Queensland will remain in place so that outstanding test results can be returned and to "give New Zealand time to assess next steps", the Minister said, adding this will be reviewed again next on July 6.

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Aus states prudent on federal's vaccination advice Canberra, June 30: Australian states were prudent on the federal government's new remarks on the Covid-19 vaccination program which said anyone under the age of 40 can now approach their general practitioner and request the AstraZeneca jab.

Chief Health Officer of the state of Queensland Jeannette Young told a press conference on Wednesday that she doesn't want people aged under 40 to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine due to the blood clot risks, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I do not want under-40s to get AstraZeneca... It is rare, but they are at an increased risk of getting the rare clotting syndrome.

We've seen up to 49 deaths in the UK from that syndrome," she said, "I don't want an 18-year-old in Queensland dying from a clotting illness who, if they got Covid, probably wouldn't die. We have had very few deaths due to Covid-19 in Australia in people under the age of 50 and wouldn't it be terrible that our first 18-year-old in Queensland who dies related to this pandemic, died because of the vaccine."

The state chief health officer's remarks came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Tuesday that anyone under the age of 40 can now approach their GP and request the AstraZeneca vaccine.

After several reports of blood clots and low blood platelets were confirmed to be linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine, the vaccine was recommended to Australians over the age of 60.

Pfizer, the recommended vaccine for Australians under the age of 60, however, needs to be imported from overseas.

Queensland Premier

/indianabroadnews

Annastacia Palaszczuk echoed Young saying there was no national cabinet decision about providing AstraZeneca to the under 40s.

"Now, in Queensland, we always follow the advice of the chief health officer.

So I urge Queenslanders to listen to Dr. Young, and follow the advice of our chief health officer."

The state, with some areas entering a snap three-day lockdown since 6 p.m.

Tuesday, recorded three new local cases and one in returned travellers on Wednesday.

Premier of the state of New South Wales (NSW) Gladys Berejiklian also urged people to go to GP about AstraZeneca.

"What we need to do as a state government is follow the federal regulatory health advice which is that AstraZeneca is offered for over-60s, and obviously second doses are strongly, strongly advised," she said.

"Anyone under 60 who wants AstraZeneca needs to have a conversation with their GP." NSW continued its widespread testing with 68,220 tests reported by Tuesday night, and recorded 22 new locally acquired cases, all of which were linked to previously confirmed cases, and half of which were in isolation during their infectious period.

The current outbreak has grown to 171 local cases in just two weeks since June 16.

To better conduct contact tracing, the NSW government on Wednesday also announced the use of Service NSW QR code to be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from July 12.

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DESI ACHIEVERS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Portraying the true image of Indian women, meet author Indrani Ganguly

From left_ Milaan (son), Jozef(husband), Indrani Ganguly and Gitanjali (daughter) at the book launch of In My Father's House in 2015

Who or what inspired you to start writing? Was there any conscious effort on your part to build your career as a writer?

I discovered a love of writing in middle school when we were set tasks to write stories and essays in our English language classes. I also wrote poetry at home. My first poem was published when I was fifteen. At University I mostly wrote assignments, one of which was published as an article in a journal when I was 21. I continued writing in bits and pieces thereafter but not as a career. It’s hard to build a career as a writer in either India or Australia unless you have a level of commitment and skill which I didn’t have.

So my paid work has its roles which paid the bills but writing has remained a keen interest. I published some books (which

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generated some revenue through royalties) and a lot of academic articles in both countries which stemmed from my research and also my work in public policy.

I became more engrossed in creative writing after I migrated to Australia in 1990 and joined several writers’ groups who provided opportunities to publish.

I have now retired from full time paid work and am working to establish a routine where I write more for publication. I am currently working on a sequel to my first novel.

“

I believe writing is a very important way to establish

In some ways I did deliberately create the characters but then they took on a life of their own.

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risbane-based author Indrani Ganguly, who was born in Lucknow to Bengali-speaking parents migrated to Australia in 1990 and has worked in academia, government and non-government organisations. After retiring from full-time work in July 2018, she joined the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Queensland and has been working on contributing to various writers’ groups in Australia. She launched her first novel The Rose and the Thorn in May 2019 and is now working on its sequel.

Let us read about her journey in her own words.

cultural connections between my country of origin, India, and my country of settlementAustralia that goes beyond cricket and curries. I believe the differences spark our interest and imaginations.

The commonalities emphasize our collective humanity and strengthen our interconnectedness.

The characters such as Mukti and Lila Chatterjee in your book‘The Rose and the Thorn’ may represent the experiences of women

in general and Indian women in particular, even in the contemporary world.

Did you deliberately create them to send a message across to the readers or did your characters just evolve as you wrote on?

but then they took on a life of their own. I was quite clear I was quite clear I wanted characters who were multidimensional and believable.’ Going by the responses of my readers I think I have achieved that.

The reason for writing The Rose and the Thorn was simple: to add to our store of hitherto untold her stories. When I was doing my research in India, I found all the information was about the high flyers.

How important, do you feel it is, for a writer to have a supportive family? Do you reckon you are fortunate in this aspect of your life?

I felt it was important to tell these her stories which are not well-known in India and even less well-known in the West. As I said in the prologue 'There are no martyrs’ monuments or eternal burning flames...' for the ordinary women who led extraordinary lives...

Their lives and stories will be blown away by the wind unless I and my sisters record and share them with all who care and love’.

Writing this book was also another way to contest widespread perceptions among many Indians and also Westerners of all Indian women as being oppressed and unable to be agents of change for themselves and others and to present some positive role models for our younger generation. It is important for everyone to have some role models who look and speak like them and whose reality approximates their own.

I also wanted to show that, contrary to perceptions of complete gender equality in Western societies, Caucasian women are also restricted by their cultures and societies which is why I had several English women as characters, particularly Harriet, the mother of Mukti and Lila’s friend Elizabeth and Moira, one of the other English wives. Both were forced to live in a strange country through marriage and had little recourse to a life of their own.

In some ways I did deliberately create the characters

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Yes, it is very important to have a supportive family and I have been fortunate in this respect. My father, Suniti Kumar Ganguly, started me on this journey after a chance remark from a friend about my supposedly effortless ability to write stories as soon as I picked up my pen. This was of course an exaggeration of my abilities but it inspired my father to buy me my first typewriter and enroll me in a course to learn shorthand and touch typing. My mother and various relatives and friends were horrified because they thought he was aiming for me to become a secretary!

Thankfully he didn’t budge and shorthand and touch typing have been invaluable in both my academic and creative endeavours.

My maternal grandmother and grandfather, aunts and uncles and cousins have also been very supportive.

In Australia my husband Jozef Latten reads what I write and provides useful commentary to improve structure and language. My son Milaan and daughter Gitanjali have always provided an enthusiastic home audience.

Did you, as a writer, have to confront any challenges as you embarked on your journey of writing?

Yes, there are many challenges. Writing is a solitary business and requires much self-discipline, especially as I had a busy full-time job, husband and children, parents and in laws, and community commitments. In Australia, people from ethnic minority

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backgrounds do not have as much access to informed and interested editors, publishers and readers from the mainstream as people from Anglo-Australian backgrounds. There is also nothing like what is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers, though it has been a long journey for them as well So I had to work with people from the fringes and venture into the world of self-publishing which has produced its own rewards.

Finally, what is your message for budding writers of today?

My message for budding writers of today is to embrace the three P’s: passion, patience and perseverance. Living in a fast-moving world should not be a deterrent. Writers in the past had a far harder time with having to earn a living and having to write by hand! Join groups, look at the internet, visit libraries, attend writers’ conferences: you will see there is no dearth of people writing on all kinds of subjects, using many kinds of media and connecting better than before!

Please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/IndraniGangulyAuthor and blog https://indraniganguly139.wordpress.com/ blog-2/blog/

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LEAD STORIES

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Covid-19 in India

India logs least daily Covid cases since March 18 Continued from page 1

had recorded 39,726 cases while on June 22 India reported 42,640 cases.

The active cases have now come down below 6 lakh.

The country has 5,52,659 active cases presently and has witnessed 3,97,637 deaths so far.

According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 56,994 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,93,66,601 till date.

The Health Ministry said that a total of 32,90,29,510 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 52,76,457 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours.

The total caseload rose to 3,03,16,897 after India crossed the mark of over three crore Covid cases last Wednesday.

India has become the second country after the US to record more than

three crore cases of Covid, adding one crore cases in the last 50 days.

It is also the 22nd consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 18, India

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 40,81,39,287 samples have been tested up to June 28 for Covid-19.

Of these 17,68,008 samples were tested on Monday.

Johns Hopkins-supported app to guide Covid patients at home in India Bengaluru, June 24: A team of developers in India has created a new app that is supported by Johns Hopkins University in the US and designed to guide people isolating at home after testing Covid-19 positive, right on their smartphones.

The Vee+ Svasa app -- developed by Bengaluru and New York-headquartered IT services company Vee Technologies, and made possible by the Valliappa Foundation -- delivers educational videos, information about accessing local medical care and Covid vaccines, and other content sourced by medical experts, right to users' smartphones.

Created by a team of software developers of Vee Technologies located in Bengaluru and Salem, the

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Rotary Clubs in UK donate O2 concentrators to TN hospitals Chennai, June 17: Twenty Rotary Clubs in the UK and the Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna jointly donated oxygen concentrators and medical equipment to hospitals in tier-2 towns and here.

Perhaps in a first of its kind collaboration 20 Rotary Clubs in the UK and the Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna donated 20 oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment worth over Rs 40 lakh to hospitals in tier-2 towns and here.

The donation drive was initiated by the President of the UK Rotary Club of Aireborough, Raj Mani and Rotarian Ramanathan of Chenna Patna club.

The money was routed through Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna, which also contributed nearly Rs 5 lakh with the help of its members and 1985 batch mates of National Public School.

According to Raj Mani, it was a sub-culture of appreciation and fondness for India among the UK citizens that resulted in gifting oxygen concentrators, PPE kits, masks, wheelchair and other items.

The major beneficiaries are Family Mission Hospital the Covid pandemic, this would be immensely helpful," said Valliappa Foundation Trustee Chocko Valliappa.

app has sourced content and expertise of medical practitioners at Johns Hopkins University and Medicine in the US, the company said in a statement.

The Vee+ Svasa was enriched by inputs of nearly 100 teams of students from Sona College of Technology who competed for a Rs 1 lakh student prize.

The winning teams that

emerged from this competition -- Senthil Sivaraman S, Harsh Vardhan SM, Ragul P and Shreinik Jain U -- were chosen to support the app building and running process.

"We reached out to Johns Hopkins India Institute to give access to the globally accepted standard of care protocols for home isolation cases. For Indians battling

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The home quarantine app has a wealth of authentic information ranging from treating oneself at home to how to isolate oneself and protect others in the family, to tips for caregivers on measuring oxygen saturation levels as well as an easy-to-understand Covid treatment flowchart.

The information and health protocols presented in the app come only from authentic sources, such as Johns Hopkins University, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as well as the All India Institute

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in Kotagiri; St. Thomas German Hospital in Arani; Salvation Army Catherine Booth Hospital in Nagercoil; Our Lady of Health Hospital in Thanjavur; St. Joseph Hospital Dindigul; Covid Care Centre Erode; Government Hospital Villupuram; Government Hospital Coimbatore, Ponneri Government Hospital, Sir Ivan Stedford Hospital in Ambattur; Anandam Old Age Home; Stanley Hospital, Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust, Military Hospital St. Thomas Mount, Greater Chennai Corporation and Old Age Home in Chennai.

"This is the first time that our Sister Club has come forward to prevent and treat those affected by Covid. We appreciate their gesture," said B. Chakravarthy, President, Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna said in a statement. of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

"We were overwhelmed by the instant response of Johns Hopkins Medicine International President of global ventures and executive VP and doctor, Mohan Chellappa and his colleagues of Indian origin, to help us gain access to the globally accepted standard of care material," Valliappa added.

The app will also feature existing services offered by state governments like locating hospital beds, vaccination centres, and doctors on tele-consultation in key cities.

The app is available on Google Play Store while iOS version of the app will be launched soon.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Indian Foreign Minister assures Indian community of Vishal Jood’s release from custody External Affairs Minister for India S. Jaishankar has given his assurance to the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar that Vishal Jood, the Indian youth who stood up against elements hostile towards India, would certainly be freed from the custody of the Australian police.

Continued from page 1

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ishal’s supporters who include his parents, friends and other members of the Indian community however, claim otherwise.

According to them Vishal

had raised his voice against the advocates of the Khalistani movement living in Australia as they came across as anti-national and his act of waving the Tricolour, the Indian National flag was simply an act to exhibit his nationalism.

He was apprehended due to his alleged participation in three separate criminal

Vishal Jood

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar

incidents which involved attacks on some Indians.

Vishal got into a physical altercation on January 26 this year when he took out a Tiranga Yatra (Tricolour rally) after the farmers’ tractor rally in India had turned violent. However, this ruffled the feathers of antifarm law protestors among the Indians in Australia who reportedly, began to chant anti-India slogans and even attempted to tarnish the Indian flag. When Vishal snatched the flag and unfurled it, violence broke out. In the aftermath of the incident, the NSW police arrested Vishal leveling grave charges of assault and destruction on him. He has been incarcerated in Sydney jail ever since then.

Vishal’s father, Nathi Ram and his friends have

repeatedly stated that the charges against him are completely false and have been leveled completely at the behest of anti-India elements, which have a lot of clout. His father has decried Vishal’s unfair confinement and also expressed fear for his son’s safety and well-being as he believed the youth, who is a diabetic, is being tortured and harassed in custody.

Ever since his arrest, a lot of supporters both in India and Australia have been voicing their objections against his “unfair” detainment. Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar approached External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar who has assured that all efforts are being made to ensure that Vishal Jood is released at the earliest.

Taking waste management to the next level: Veena Sahajwalla, Australia’s very own ‘waste queen’

Veena Sahajwalla, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology (SMaRT) at University of New South Wales has redefined waste management in the real sense and transformed the general perception related to recycling waste.

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he general perception held by people with regard to recycling is a stereotypical one- if any individual is asked what he or she comprehends about recycling, invariably the reply would be that it entails the conversion of used materials into similar materials ready for reuse. To put it simply, a used plastic container would be converted into a replica of the original plastic container and so on. However, SMaRT at the University of NSW with Veena Sahajwalla at its helm as the director is all set to change the essence of recycling by developing the next level of recycling technology known as up-cycling. This would open new avenues and possibilities for recycling and would consequently revolutionize waste

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management in its entirety.

Sahajwalla who had been chosen to spearhead the national research into sustainable communities and waste under the federal government’s National Environment Science Program, believes that recycling is a much broader concept with a wider scope and therefore, recycling cannot be summarily dismissed as the conversion of a product from like to like rather it is the transformation of one product into a different product.

SMaRT has been pioneering the creation of completely different products from used products. From its micro factory based in the university’s basement, it has already managed to convert waste glass,

plastic and textiles into green ceramics, and has successfully extracted hydrogen and carbon from old rubber tyres and plastic to form a sort of green steel. By employing a new technological method, it also managed to extricate aluminium from food and coffee packaging and transformed into green aluminium of top quality.

The green steel genesis method which is a polymer injection method has been legally patented and also commercialized not only in Australia but also in South Korea, UK, Thailand and Norway.

Sahajwalla had set up the micro factory at the university with a view to streamlining the path leading from the initial testing of products for viability to eventual /IndianAbroadNews

commercialization of the products. With a factory at the university which is fully equipped, full-scale tests can be carried out thereby providing sufficient

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evidence worthy of winning the confidence of industrial investors.

Meanwhile, another micro factory in Cootamundra is on the horizon.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

HEAL- A noble initiative transforming dreams of deprived youth to reality Health Education for all (HEAL), a completely volunteer-oriented international charity organization was first registered in 1992 in the UK and now has registered branches in India, USA, Canada and Australia with tax exemption status. Through its various programs, it has dedicated itself to the upliftment of disadvantaged children who often have to fend for themselves in deplorable conditions and despite having aspirations to rise above their impoverished conditions, give up on their dreams.

part of the project. In 1992, HEAL was officially born in the United Kingdom and Dr Prasad also rallied the support of other people who were passionate about the project. He also donated his family home in Guntur which was converted into an orphanage.

HEAL projects

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tory of HEAL’s genesis

HEAL is the brainchild of Dr Satya Prasad Koneru who had laid the foundation of the precursor of the non-profit organization in 1967 when he was a medical student in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South Central India. Witnessing widespread poverty and related problems, Dr Prasad was moved by the plight of the people especially children who had to endure unimaginable mental and physical agony. He talked to his classmates about his desire to help these downtrodden people but most of them did not show much interest. However, he continued making efforts and by 1968, he managed to get a society registered by the name of Praja Seva Samithi (People Service

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Society) with the help of some of his classmates and the support of some seniors in the area in and around Guntur. One of their first projects was the Book Bank Project in which the volunteers went to different schools collecting used books and distributed these among poor children.

As a medical professional, Dr Prasad also felt he could do something constructive regarding healthcare. So, he later on also set up a Mini Medical Care Centre through medical care and awareness regarding the significance of being proactive about taking care of one’s health. This project had mutual benefits both for the recipient patients who were issued health pass books and the medical students who were

HEAL has fostered children’s health and education for more than 30 years through its various projects aimed at well-rounded development of children. A Children’s Village was set up in 1999 in Guntur. The objective of this project is to provide a home, food and holistic care for underprivileged and orphaned children aged 5 to 18.

Children attend a neighbouring school while being cared for by the volunteers.

The accommodation facility is supervised by a House Mother. Children’s Village is a year-round home for the children where Heal provides healthcare, education, structure, and extracurricular opportunities.

One of the most crucial and comprehensive projects is the Heal Paradise, a safe residential haven, /IndianAbroadNews

providing children with the best resources. As a self-sustaining community, it is considered as a model worth replicating for other Indian rural areas. It was created and established with the sole aim of giving optimum opportunities to deprived children so that they can break free of the vicious circle of poverty and dejection which their past generations have had to endure. Located in Thotapalli village, the 30-acre campus is surrounded by a lake and green fields and is a prime exemplification of self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. The campus has educational facilities for grades 1 to 12 through its Primary School and Senior Secondary School and the Institute for the Visually Challenged, and also houses a health center to ensure the children’s overall well-being.

Under the Escape the Poverty Trap Program, HEAL partners with public schools in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in areas with huge proportion of underprivileged children.

The project provides funds for schools, including their infrastructure, books, supplies, and support as needed.

For students lacking financial support or academic aptitude who have completed grade 10 or those who are at least 18 years old, HEAL provides vocational training at the Ramaseshamma & Kotiah Chunduri Skill Development Center. Under a memorandum of understanding with a leading skill development organization, SynchroServe Pvt Ltd., a holistic development program has been started.

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Presence in Australia HEAL came to Australia in 2014 where it was registered as a non-profit fundraising organization. Heal Australia is an organization which has been growing with each year by making its presence felt and it works in close association with the trustees of Heal UK in its fundraising activities to bolster the ongoing projects in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and create new educational facilities for aspiring and bright children from below the poverty line families.

Dr Ramana Panda, the director of HEAL Australia is constantly engaged with the government to extend Telehealth facilities to those who need them the most because of physical or financial debilitations. A medical pratictioner with 25 years of experience under his belt, he is a pioneer with Telehealth and has established Telehealth Networks for rural communities.

Vahini Panda, Secretary and Coordinator of HEAL Australia, established Heal in Australia as a tax deductible charity and volunteers to bring awareness and funds to Heal in Australia. The founder, Academic Director and CEO for Health Academy Australia and Health Courses Australia, she is passionate about training and making provisions for optimum resources and support for all students. In 2013, she was bestowed with the International Women’s Day Business Encouragement award by Women at Work and Gold Coast City Council and is also an Awardee of Merit at the Gold Coast Women in Business Awards 2017.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

World Refugee Day celebrated in Brisbane

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he “Our Journey” World Refugee Day concert was organised at the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane on June 17. World Refugee Day, which is an annual opportunity for

us all to remember that the plight of refugees has affected almost all nations throughout history, was supported by the Brisbane City Council.

MC Narasimhan Ravi

Tenzin Choegyal

Anisa Nandaula

African Fusion

Dance Masala

Persian Duo

HE Manpreet Vohra presents credentials to Governor General

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igh Commissioner Mr. Manpreet Vohra presented his credentials to the Governor General of Australia The Hon. General David John Hurley in Canberra on June 23.

Ambassador Manpreet Vohra arrived in Canberra on 25 April 2021 to assume his assignment as High Commissioner of India to Australia.

Ambassador Vohra joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988. He was Ambassador of India to Mexico and High

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Commissioner to Belize (2019-21), Ambassador to Afghanistan (2016-18) and Ambassador to Peru and Bolivia (2011-15).

Ambassador Vohra was born in Amritsar on 28 December 1963. He has a BA in Economics and a Post-Graduate Diploma

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High Commissioner Mr. Manpreet Vohra (R) greeting Governor General of Australia The Hon. General David John Hurley

in International Trade from Punjab University, Chandigarh.

married to Naseem. They have a daughter and a son.

Ambassador Vohra is /indianabroadnews

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

IAIE, Fight4Balance and India News Melbourne’s Consulate General of India conducts also celebrate IDY in Brisbane

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he Institute for Australia India Engagement (IAIE), Fight4Balance and India News, in associationwith the Art of Living grouporganized the International Day of Yoga near the Mahatma Gandhi Statue at Roma Street Parkland, Spring Hill, Brisbane, on 19 June 2021.

The session was conducted

by Seema Lathker of the Art of Living. IAIE Sports and Wellness programme coordinator Dr Amol Wagholikar and Board Member

Muthuraj Guruswamy, local community champions and family and friends

of the participating institutions were among the participants.

virtual event

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virtual yoga and meditation session was organised by the Consulate General of India, Melbourne, in association with the University of Melbourne, The Art of Living and Heartfulness Institute on 19th June, 2021 to celebrate the occasion. This year’s theme was ‘Yoga for unity and well-being”.

Speaking on the occasion Consul General Raj Kumar elaborated on how 21st June was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations in 2014 after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made recommendations for the same. The proposal had the support from 177 nations and with that the International Day of Yoga was established.

Professor Muthupandian Ashok Kumar, Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor, International India, Acting Director of Australia India Institute and a professor of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne said that it was an honour to be an event partner and that the University has had the pleasure of conducting the IDY event in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Melbourne, for the past three years.

all the participants urging them to take out some time from their hectic schedule and practice Yoga to relieve them of stress.

The Yoga session was conducted by the volunteers of The Art of Living while the Heartfulness Institute presented a meditation session.

Dr Santosh Kumar Yadav of AYUSH Information Cell, Melbourne gave an insight into the essence of yoga.

He said that yoga is an activity facilitating the unity of individual consciousness with universal consciousness, adding that yoga is instrumental in balancing and harmonizing body, mind and emotions.

Prabhat Sangwan of the Consulate General of India, Melbourne closed the event by thanking all the participants whose involvement ensured the success of the virtual event.

Professor Moira O’Bryan, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne also emphasized the crucial role Yoga has been playing in gaining mind and body relaxation especially for the past one year when stress levels have been peaking. She welcomed

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Celebrations at BCC, High Commission of India, Canberra

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his year a special Yoga event was organised

by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) on the cordial invitation of the High Commission of India, Canberra and Cr. Angela Owen of Brisbane City Council (BCC) at Calamvale District Park, Brisbane, on June 13s.

Speaking on the occasion the local Councillor Angela Owen said that it was a privilege for her to welcome everyone to the special event celebrating the International Day of Yoga and thanked all the participants for making the

event a special one. She also extended her gratitude to the DJJS representatives for organizing and coordinating the event.

Honorary Consulate India, Brisbane Archana Singh welcomed everyone, on behalf of the Government of India and the Indian High Commission in Canberra, to the special event. The event showcased the wonderful virtues of the ancient art of Yoga and it was also an endeavour to share it with the rest of the world. The Honorary Consulate also praised DJJS and Cr. Angela Owen for successfully

Yoga dance a highlight of FICQ’s IDY celebrations

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he Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) observed the seventh edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2021 on 20th June 2021, at the Indooroorpilly state high school, 111 Ward Street, Indooroorpilly, in Brisbane.

The event was supported by the High Commission of India, Canberra, and India

News. It was conducted by The Art of Living. The event was sponsored by George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals. FICQ also thanked Senator Paul Scarr and Brisbane City Council for their support.

overcome various physiological and psychological issues. The organization has been instrumental in promoting Yoga through various international events and also regular Yoga events at the Victorian Parliament.

of India, Canberra P S Karthigeyan delivered the welcome speech for the event.The event was attended by various Australian and Indian government dignitaries andyoga professionals from major cities of Australia.

One of the special highlights of the event was the yoga dance performed by young participants.

organizing the event every year. Addressing the gathering she urged everyone to make Yoga a part of their daily lives in order to become productive individuals with a resilient mind, body and spirit.

An important highlight of the event was a virtual talk

by Sadhvi Deepika Bharti, a disciple of Ashutosh Maharaj from DJJS India. In her talk she reiterated the expansive meaning of Yoga as mentioned in Vedic texts and busted popular myths and misconceptions about Yoga through an inquisitive Q&A session.

Yoga session at Australian Federal Parliament

Vasudeva Kriya Yoga, a non-profit organization,in association with the High Commission of India, Canberra conducted a yoga session at the Australian Federal Parliament. The event was

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also attended by MP Jason Wood and MP-Member for Deakin Michael Sukkar.

A representative from Vasudeva Kriya Yoga explained how regular Yoga classes across Australia have helped people to /IndianAbroadNews

Deputy High Commissioner

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Proposal for Little India in Sydney’s Harris Park granted approval The efforts of the Little India Harris Park Business Association (LIHPBA) to promote certain areas of Harris Park in Sydney as Little India bore fruit on June 15 when the City of Parramatta Council in Sydney agreed to the proposal

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arlier the proposal had been to promote Harris Park completely as Little India but following local objections, it was scaled down to include only three streets namely, Marion Street, Wigram Street and Station Street as these streets comprise plethora of Indian businesses which include many famous Indian eateries and retail outlets selling ethnic Indian wear. The City of Parramatta Council has given its nod to foster the concept of Little India and on the horizon are the Indian Independence Day celebration on 15 August and a Diwali celebration event in late October this year.

According to the official records of the Council in Western Sydney, Indians account for more than 40 per cent of its populace.

Parramatta Council’s Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer has also acknowledged the prominence of the Indian

community here. Harris Park is renowned for having an Indian soul within it not least because of the flourishing Indian businesses in the region; and needless to say, the vibrant and colourful Indian culture of which the celebration of various festivals forms an integral part. The rebranding campaign which will, at the inception, be run on a six-month trial basis, is expected to increase the influx of tourists into the

area.

The proposal to promote Harris Park as Little India had been put forward by the Parramatta City Council in July 2020 and a Little India Reference Group had also been formed which consisted of local business representatives, councilors and council officers. The group held about three meetings to discuss the proposal. A poll was also conducted to determine how people felt about the

proposal and the findings revealed that most of the people were not averse to the idea of Little India to provide economic and cultural values to the local businesses but were askance about the whole area being rebranded as such because it would not be in the spirit of the multiculturalism of the area.

Indian entrepreneurs in the area such as Gurmeet Tuli, who had spearheaded the movement, are on cloud

nine and have welcomed the trial campaign with great aplomb and are hailing it as a great victory.

The outcome of the sixmonth trial is awaited and the Council will then take further decisions regarding the future of Little India.

Councillor Sameer Pandey is optimistic about the area becoming a tourist hub leading to the fostering of tourism and mobilizing of investment in the area.

Sikh Volunteers Australia concludes current home delivery service

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ith thousands remaining without power in Victoria due to devastating floods over the last few days, Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) team headed to Kalorama on June 20 to provide freshly cooked vegetarian food to the community. With this, the Sikh Volunteers Australia concluded its current Lockdown Home Delivery Service, which began on 28 May 2021.

engulfed by blackouts, residents found it difficult to cook and reached out to SVA to assist and provide cooked vegetarian food in the affected areas.

SVA team was in the Kalorama (Shire of Yarra Ranges) area, serving food in the flood-affected area.

There was still darkness in thousands of homes as emergency services worked to bring electricity back to homes. As homes were

"We are so thankful to all volunteers and donors with whose help all this was possible. Our regular food van service and once a week home delivery service will continues as usual," said a statement by SVA.

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During their current delivery drive, a total of 22,500 freshly cooked Vegetarian meals were delivered in seven Council areas. Around 250 volunteers including 120 new volunteers participated in home deliveries program.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

GOPIO GC Annual Celebration Dinner organised

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OPIO Gold Coast held their annual celebratory dinner, which was attended by over 160 people from the Gold Coast and wider community, on June 19 at Sea World Resort.

His Worship the Mayor of Gold Coast Cr. Tom Tate, Mayoress Ruth Tate and Honorary Consul of India QLD, Mrs Archana Singh were the chief guests.

The event was also graced by the presence of Senator for QLD Mr Murray Watt, FICQ President – Mr Shyam Das, GOPIO QLD founder Mr Umesh Chandra, Gold Coast City councillors and a number of other dignitaries and representatives of the many Indian and multicultural communities within Gold Coast and Brisbane.

The GOPIO GC annual celebration dinner was a wonderful opportunity for the people of Indian origin and wider community to reconnect and build their networks and come together. The evening began with guests having a chance to mingle and enjoy a few drinks before being seated for the formal proceedings.

The crowd was thoroughly entertained throughout the night with a mix of cultural and Bollywood performances. These included a classical Bharatanatyam

dance by Devika and Meera Nair, a high energy dance medley by Tanvi and Sanjeev and Bollywood interactive dance by the wonderful Shera.

Everyone was also treated to live music and melodies

by Fusion Dreams as they enjoyed the delicious Indian buffet dinner prepared by the exquisite chefs of Sea World.

GOPIO GC recognised the support of their VIP sponsors and also awarded a plaque to Vishaak Gangasandra, for receiving the 'outstanding academic achiever QLD 2020' title.

Each guest also received a special 'gift bag', sponsored

by Sonia Polra from Amcal Chempro, to take home as a memento.

The event was sponsored by: Gaura Travels, Study Gold Coast, Netvision, Way to Wealth Advisors, Ovolo Group of Hotels ANZ, Amcal Chempro Pharmacy, ASMI Home Decor.

GOPIO GC hosts Yoga Day demonstration

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OPIO Gold Coast along with Indian High Commission, Canberra, organised a Yoga Day celebration event on June 19 morning at the Sea World resort conference centre.

The event was attended

by Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane and Cr. Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden Gold Coast City Councilor for Division 7.

There were 60 plus participants on the day. The three activity sessions included Yoga breathing techniques, Yoga stretches, meditation, Tibetan sound healing and

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chanting of mantras.

The feedback from the attendees was positive and few more organisations expressed their interest about participating in future similar events.

The event was supported

by the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga (ASMY) and Mental health Foundation Australia. Study Gold Coast was one of the major sponsors, and the Yoga mats were sponsored

by Ovolo Group of Hotels.

/IndianAbroadNews

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INDIA

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

India warns of cross-border terror via cyberspace, calls for global action states to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically."

Some countries "are leveraging their expertise in cyberspace to achieve their political and security-related objectives and indulge in contemporary forms of cross-border terrorism", he said.

United Nations, June 30: Raising an alarm about the emergence of cyberspace as a vehicle for cross-border terrorism by nations and terror organisations, India has called for international action to achieve a framework for global cybersecurity.

Outlining the dangers to international peace emanating from cyberspace, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told the Security Council on Tuesday: "We need to adopt a collaborative rules-based approach in cyberspace and work towards ensuring its openness, stability and security."

UN's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu also warned of the risks from cyberattacks and said that situations could develop that "can encourage states to adopt offensive postures for the hostile use of these technologies".

Because of this risk and the potential for "criminal groups and others" to create global destabilisation, she said that the Security Council should get involved in ensuring cybersecurity.

Shringla said: "The borderless nature of cyberspace, and more importantly anonymity of actors involved, has challenged the traditionally accepted concepts of sovereignty, jurisdiction and privacy.

"As a victim of terrorism, India has always underlined the need for member

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He added that cyber tools were being used to "compromise state security" through attacks on critical national infrastructure, including health and energy facilities and to "disrupt social harmony through radicalisation".

Terrorists have used social media to plan and execute terror attacks and for "virulent propaganda" to incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds, he said.

It did not recommend specific rules or regulations for adoption, but outlined areas of consensus and suggested further consultations.

Shringla spoke of the positive potential of ICT citing the role of the Co-WIN platform in India's vaccination drive against coronavirus. He said that India was sharing it with partner countries.

The contrast between totalitarian countries like China, which he did not name, that have closed their cyberspace to outside influences and open

societies like India came up in his speech when Shringla spoke of the vulnerabilities of nations that allow external cyber access.

While committing India to "an open, secure, free, accessible and stable cyberspace environment", he pointed out that "open societies have been particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns".

The dangers outlined by Shringla are widely manifest around the world.

In view of the dangers from ICT equipment being compromised with spyware,

"There are widespread concerns that state and non-state actors are introducing vulnerabilities and harmful hidden functions, including through backdoor channels, into ICT networks and products.

"The Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on developments in ICT (OEWG) should be leveraged to find further common ground and improve upon the already agreed cyber norms and rules," he said.

The OEWG, set up by the General Assembly in 2018, submitted its final report this March.

There has been a proliferation of malware introduced into even computer systems used by the Pentagon.

Systems used in the US for petroleum distribution and for beef supply, as well as local governments, have been hit by cybercriminals to extort ransomware.

Washington has said that they operated from Russia.

Hospitals and health systems in the US and the UK have also been victims of cybercrime.

SC asks Ramdev for his original video, statement on allopathy The bench asked Rohatgi, "What is the original thing that you said?"

He responded, "I will file original video and transcript."

Shringla warned of the dangers from malware that can "create potential flashpoints between states".

"It is in the interest of the international community to ensure that all actors abide by their international obligations and commitments and not indulge in practices that could have potentially disruptive effects on global supply chains and trade in ICT (Information Communication Technology) product.

India has banned the use of some Chinese-made products.

The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on July 5.

New Delhi, June 30: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked yoga guru Ramdev to submit his original video and transcript of his statement made on allopathy as it set the date for next hearing on clubbing of all FIRs against the Patanjali Yogpeeth co-founder for a Delhi hearing.

Ramdev has filed a plea in the top court seeking a direction to club all the FIRs against him in connection with his statement against allopathy.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ramdev, argued before a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana that his client has nothing against doctors, and he is

/IndianAbroadNews

entitled to have his views on allopathy.

Rohatgi submitted that the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has unleashed barrage of cases, civil and criminal, against his client via its different chapters in the country.

Rohatgi submitted that FIRs have been filed in different parts of the country against his client, and urged the court to club these FIRs, and have a single case in Delhi.

He added that his client had launched Coronil for Covid last year, and all the doctors went against him.

Rohatgi said there was a private event where he read out a WhatsApp sent to him and he had already clarified that he has nothing against doctors.

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In the plea, Ramdev sought transfer of FIRs lodged against by the India Medical Association (IMA) in Patna and Raipur to Delhi.

He has been booked under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to aa infection of disease dangerous to life), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the IPC and other provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005.

The voluntary body of doctors accused him of spreading false information in connection with the Allopathic treatment for Covid patients.

On May 23, Ramdev had withdrawn his statements on Allopathic medicine after receiving a strong-worded letter from Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who termed his remarks as "inappropriate".

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Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

NITI Aayog releases report on 'notfor-profit' hospital model in India

New Delhi, June 29: NITI Aayog on Tuesday released a comprehensive study on the 'not-for-profit' hospital model in the country, in a step towards closing the information gap on such institutions and facilitating robust policymaking in this area.

The not-for-profit hospital sector provides not only curative but also preventive healthcare. It links healthcare with social reform, community engagement, and education. It uses government resources and grants to provide cost-effective healthcare to people without being concerned about profits. However, over the years, this sector has remained understudied.

The study provides insights into the operation model of not-for-profit hospitals.

It presents research-based

findings on such hospitals -- categorized under ownership and premise of service -- and makes subsequent comparisons with private hospitals and health schemes of the Union government.

It discusses in detail the cost-containment strategies implemented by not-forprofit hospitals and seeks to understand the challenges that burden the operations of these institutions and hinder their growth.

The report proposes short and long term policy interventions such as developing criteria to identify these hospitals, ranking them through a performance index, and promoting top hospitals for practising philanthropy, among others.

It also highlights the need to use the expertise of these hospitals in managing human resources with limited finance in remote areas.

"There has been relatively low investment in the

expansion of the health sector in the private domain. The stimulus announced yesterday provides us an opportunity to change this situation. The report on the not-for-profit sector is a small step in that direction," said Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog while releasing the report in the presence of NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal, and representatives of hospitals across the country who participated in the study.

NITI Aayog has been extensively studying the private sector healthcare delivery landscape in the country. While there exists adequate information on for-profit healthcare providers and institutions, there is a dearth of reliable and structured information on their not-for-profit counterparts, known for their tireless service in making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to everyone.

60 drone sightings reported in 20 months: Punjab DGP become another major security concern," said Gupta.

Chandigarh, June 29: Stressing on the need to carry out evidence-based and pro-active policing, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta on Tuesday assured total support to the Border Security Force (BSF) to counter the drone operations along international borders.

"It was in September 2019 that the use of drones for smuggling weapons was first established in Amritsar and since then, such flying machines and delivery platforms are being used frequently for smuggling of drugs and weapons, and now, the terrorist attack in Jammu using drone has

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He said more than 60 drone sightings have been reported by the BSF, Punjab Police and the people of the state in the last 20 months.

The DGP was in Gurdaspur for a meeting with senior officials of the BSF and Punjab Police deployed in Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts.

Notably, in the wake of the attack at the Indian Air Force base in Jammu through a drone on Sunday, this was the second high-level meeting presided over by the DGP in the border districts.

ADGP Internal Security R.N. Dhoke, IG Border Range S.P.S. Parmar and DIG BSF Prabhakar Joshi, along with about eight BSF Commandants, were

present at the meeting.

Giving a call for total synergy and teamwork between BSF and Punjab Police, DGP Gupta said it was high time that both the elite forces should work as one team and activate the gathering of good old human intelligence by gathering and sharing real-time information.

He asked the BSF officials to share sector-wise inputs of movements of suspected persons with the state police so that they can keep a sharp vigil on their activities and ensure penal action against those found involved in any criminal activity.

The DGP directed the SSPs of Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot to list border villages and develop a robust intelligence network by ensuring close collaboration between the police,

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India always ready to give befitting reply if provoked: Rajnath Continued from page 1

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e reiterated the government's stand of resolving disputes through dialogue with neighbouring countries, but assured the country that the safety and security of the nation will not be compromised at any cost.

The Indian military has for long flagged the threat of a two-front war. With the disputed border with China, and Pakistan active at the same point of time, the Armed Forces are on high alert and preparedness.

The Defence Minister assured all possible support to the Armed Forces, reaffirming the vision of the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of a strong military that is capable of dealing with every eventuality

rich tributes to the brave jawans who laid down their lives in the service of the nation during the Galwan Valley incident in 2020, saying that the country will never forget their supreme sacrifice.

He lauded the exemplary courage displayed by the Indian Army during the incident and stated that the nation is proud of its Armed Forces.

He also commended the 14th Corps for their invaluable contribution during the 1965 Indo-Pak War as well as the 1999 Kargil war.

The Defence Minister paid

General OfficerCommanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt. General Y.K. Joshi and General Officer Commanding of the 14 Corps Lt. General P.G.K. Menon were among those present on the occasion.

public and NGOs in every village so that they promptly notify the police about any criminal activity taking place in their villages.

He advised that all the 'nakas' should be synchronised in a manner that they must get activated promptly on a single call.

He also issued directions to increase the police checkpoints, especially at night, in their respective jurisdictions and ensure checking of maximum vehicles at every 'naka', which will help in curtailing terrorist and criminal activities.

The DGP ordered the SSPs to list and take action against all the proclaimed offenders, bail jumpers and absconders in the NDPS act, Arms Act and UAPA.

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He also directed them to ramp up the drug recoveries.

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INDIA

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Yediyurappa begins distribution of 1.55 lakh tablet-PCs to students System (LMS) at a cost of Rs 4.04 crore is a comprehensive system that will provide a platform to a unique and modern teaching and learning experience.

"The LMS is designed in such a way that it is ideally suitable to conduct both online and offline classes," he claimed.

Bengaluru, June 23: Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday unveiled 2,500 Smart classes in government first grade Colleges and also launched distribution of 1.55 lakh free tablet PCs to college students to promote digital learning and also to bridge the digital divide in higher education.

innovative initiatives are taken up to bridge the digital gap among students.

He said that smart classes will include projectors, white board, Android box, UPS and internet facility which will facilitate both teaching and learning.

He handed over the tablet PCs symbolically to 10 students of different colleges while simultaneously this program was organised in other districts in the state too.

He said that providing tablet PCs and creating the smart classrooms is expected to largely benefit the students belonging to economically weaker sections of society, pursuing their studies in government education institutions.

Yediyurppa said that the state government was spending Rs 195 crore under the Digital Learning Programme and these

Deputy Chief Minister, C.N. Ashwath Narayan, who holds the higher education portfolio, said that the Learning Management

He said that this programme will help students studying in 430 government first grade colleges, 87 government-run polytechnics and 14 government engineering colleges in the state "This is part of our 'Any Time, Anywhere; learning scheme which will be beneficial for 25,000 teaching faculty and 1.55 lakh students studying in these institutions," Narayan said.

He contended that these initiatives will helpful to resolve the existing imbalances between offline and online, digital and physical, rural and urban, rich and poor and also break English and non-English speaking (native language) barriers with respect to access for quality teaching and learning.

Girl kills village head's stalker husband Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh), June 24: A teenage girl allegedly shot dead her village head's husband, whom she has accused of stalking her and asking her for sexual favours for the past two years.

She had the help of her friend. The incident in Kannauj came to light on Tuesday when the girl, after her arrest, confessed to the killing.

The deceased was allegedly shot dead on the night of June 20 at the house of the girl.

His sons accused the girl's friend of killing their father in their complaint to the police.

"He used to stalk me and ask for sexual favours.

On one occasion, he even tried to outrage my

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and she had told her other siblings too, about her plans.

modesty. When I resisted, he started harassing me and my friend. He had even molested my sister," she stated.

She said that she never disclosed about her harassment to anyone since she feared that her family members would be harmed by the deceased, who had a criminal background.

"He was a murder accused and his terror reigned supreme in the area," she alleged.

The girl and her friend finally decided to kill him

On June 20, the girl's mother made a phone call to the man and on the pretext of sorting out the issue with her daughter, she invited him to her place.

"While he was sitting and talking to her mother, the girl shot him with a country made pistol and escaped to Farrukhabad with her friend," said the police.

The girl has been arrested and the country-made pistol used in the killing has been recovered.

SSP Kannauj Prashant Verma said, "Police have arrested the girl and booked her under section 302. Her friend and his aide have also been arrested for conspiracy."

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FM rolls out loan guarantee scheme for tourist guides, travel agencies

New Delhi, June 28: At a time when the tourism sector has been among the worst-hit segments in the economy and small stakeholders have been facing financial difficulties, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Monday, announced that loans will be provided to registered tourist guides and other travel and tourism stakeholders with 100 per cent guarantee.

Loans of up to Rs 1 lakh would be available with guarantee to tourist guides licenced at regional or state level. A total of 10,700 regional level tourist guides recognised by the Minister of Tourism and state governments would benefit from the scheme.

Further, loans with an upper

limit of Rs 10 lakh would be available with 100 per cent guarantee to travel and tourism stakeholders such as travel agencies.

A total of 904 stakeholders recognised by the Ministry of Tourism would be under the ambit of the loan guarantee scheme.

The Finance Minister said that under the new loan guarantee scheme for Covid affected sectors, working capital or personal loans will be provided to people in tourism sector to discharge liabilities and restart businesses impacted due to Covid-19.

All states must implement one-nation, one ration card scheme by July 31: SC

New Delhi, June 29: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said all state governments must implement one-nation, one ration card scheme by July 31.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan passed a slew of directions to the Centre and state governments for the benefit of the migrant workers. The top court directed all state governments to implement one-nation, one ration card scheme, which allows migrant workers to avail ration benefits from any part of the country, by July 31.

The top court directed the Centre to develop a national portal in consultation with NIC to register unorganized and migrant workers by July 31.

The top court directed the state governments to frame schemes for distribution of food grains to those who don't have ration cards and asked the Centre to allocate food grains as per the demands of the state governments.

The top court directed the distribution of dry ration /indianabroadnews

and community kitchen, providing succour to the needy, to continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The top court order came on an application by activists Harsh Mander, Anjali Bhardwaj and Jagdeep Chhokar, through advocate Prashant Bhushan, seeking directions to ensure that migrant workers are not deprived of ration and food security, and they should also be able to travel back to their homes at nominal cost. The application was filed in the suo motu case initiated by the top court last year to address migrant labourer crisis during the national lockdown.

During the hearing, the top court said, its main concern is that benefits which are meant for migrant workers must reach them and stressed the process of their registration is woefully slow. The top court said the Centre and state governments must expedite registration of migrant workers and also those working in the unorganised sectors.

16

AUSTRALIA

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Sydney shop gives out pizza to people lining up for Covid tests Sydney, June 25: A pizza shop in Sydney is giving out free slices to people lining up to get tested for Covid-19 across the city.

When Glen Mezei, owner of Site Pizza Bar located in a beachside suburb in Sydney's east, and fellow staff members delivered 30 fresh pizzas to a local Covid-19 testing site, they showed just what it meant to be a part of the local community.

Mezei cooked up the idea when he saw a long line of people waiting outside a nearby testing location.

"I didn't think too much, I just saw the people waiting out in the cold and decided to do it, I wasn't expecting this much attention," Mezei told Xinhua.

He also made an announcement on his Facebook page "to all that are being patient and are waiting to be tested at Chifley park, we're on the way to say thank you with some pizza to share".

"It was very much appreciated both by people waiting and the health workers," he said.

With the surge of cases in the community across Sydney's east, New South Wales Health has been calling on people to get tested.

This week alone testing numbers in Sydney have increased from 25,252 on Monday to 48,402 on Thursday.

to meet the increased demand and locals have been stuck waiting in testing queues for hours.

In a time of uncertainty and anxiety, the random act of kindness went a long way, shedding a light on the pressure faced by health workers and how showing up to get tested can be an act of compassion.

While the pandemic has put additional strain on Mezei's business, he has never shied away from giving back where he can.

"If we go under we go under," he said.

Health workers have been working around the clock

NZ extends pause on quarantine free travel with Aus state Wellington, June 25: New Zealand on Friday extended the pause on quarantine free travel to the country from Australia's New South Wales state for a further 12 days, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said.

Joyce, also the leader of the

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Bravus Mining and Resources CEO David Boshoff noted that it was an exciting day for the over 2,600 people on the Project; a day that has been in the making for over a decade.

Boshoff said Bravus was on track to export first coal as promised, in 2021. a statement.

The government strongly believes a cautious approach is the best course of action while these investigations continue, he said.

contact with New South Wales authorities about the actions being taken in Sydney, and will review the decision to continue the pause late next week, he added.

New Zealand public health staff remain in close

Australian Deputy PM fined for not wearing mask Canberra, June 29: Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has been fined A$200 ($151) for failing to wear a face mask inside a petrol station in New South Wales (NSW) state.

Mumbai, June 24: Adani Group's Australian mining division Bravus Mining & Resources has struck coal in the much controversial Charmichael project in Queensland.

"Nearly two years ago today we received our final approvals to develop the Carmichael mine and rail Project. We have faced many hurdles along the way, but thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our team, we have now reached the coal seams," the CEO said.

There are now 36 recent community cases of Covid-19 in New South Wales, including four not yet linked to the existing outbreak that are urgently being investigated by Australian health officials, reports Xinhua news agency.

This decision follows a further public health assessment in which officials consider a range of factors, whether any new cases are identified, the results from COVID-19 testing of any contacts identified and from the wider Sydney community, Hipkins said in

Adani Group strikes coal at Australia's Charmichael project

National Party of Australia, confirmed the incident of breaching coronavirus restrictions,reports Xinhua news agency.

seconds later, A$200 it cost me, because I didn't wear one of these (masks)," he told Sky News Australia on Tuesday.

"I went into the Caltex service station. I was going to the airport, fuelled the car up with fuel, went in, 30

NSW police said they were called to the petrol station by a member of the public and issued the /IndianAbroadNews

"We're on track to export first coal this year, and despite reaching this fine to a 54-year-old male after reviewing the security camera footage.

significant milestone, we will not take our eyes off our larger goal of getting coal to market," he said.

Taking to Twitter, Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group said: "Proud of my tenacious team who mined Carmichael's 'first coal' in the face of heavy odds.

There couldn't be a better birthday gift than being able to strengthen our nation's energy security and provide affordable power to India's millions.

Thank you, Queensland and Australia."

As per the company, India will be a foundation customer for the Carmichael mine and is the fourth largest global user of electricity as well as the source of the biggest growth in global energy demand.

The mine has been at the centre of several protests and campaigns by environmentalists.

"That person was apologetic and cooperated with police being firm and fair," deputy commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters.

"Police are rostered 24/7 right across the state and they will take action, and certainly the incident at Armidale is clear evidence that police will investigate and take action."

It comes a week after Joyce was returned as the Deputy Prime Minister after a successful leadership

/indianabroadnews

challenge against former Nationals leader Michael McCormack.

The governing coalition government in Australia is formed by the Liberal Party and the National Party, with the leader of the later serving as the Deputy Prime Minister.

17

WORLD

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

India-Russia defence ties grow closer as desperate Pakistan tries cosying up to Moscow Photo: IANS

"In our opinion, the Russian Federation plays a key role in this matter. The role of Russia, its active participation has a positive effect on regional stability," said the Deputy Minister of Defen?e of Pakistan.

New Delhi, June 25: India has welcomed Russias willingness to actively engage in Indias -- Make in India program for co-development and production of high technology defence items, terming the defence relations as an integral pillar of the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between the two countries.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, in his address at the 9th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS � 2021) which opened Wednesday, said that New Delhi is looking forward to the visit of Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu to India later this year for the next meeting of the India-Russia InterGovernmental Commission on Military and MilitaryTechnical Cooperation.

Held annually since 2012 under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence of Russia, the three-day forum consistently strengthens its role as an authoritative platform for discussing the most actual problems of international security and is a traditional subject of interest as in Russia, as abroad.

India Russia Partnership Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar at 9th Moscow Conference on International Security The forum traditionally brings together Defence Ministers, Heads of International organizations, nongovernment experts and world's think-tank representatives. With the last year's edition having been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 conference is seeing

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participation of more than 600 participants, including ministers of defence and delegations of military institutions, chiefs of general staffs from various countries who are currently discussing problems of global and regional stability, as well as various security aspects in Europe, Asia, Africa, in the Middle East and in Latin America.

The participants at this edition of the conference will also consider the issues of the information security, the situation after the INF (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty, the military-technical cooperation in Africa and Middle East as the main factor of enhancing regional security and the situation in Europe besides the role of the armed forces in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

At a time when the defence ties between India and Russia continue to grow, Pakistan is also seen cosying up to Russia. On Wednesday, Pakistan's Deputy Minister of Defen?e Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain met Russian Deputy Defen?e Minister ColonelGeneral Alexander Fomin at the sidelines of the conference to discuss the possibility of building up their potential for military-technical cooperation.

Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain also noted that the Pakistani government, within the framework of the concept of geo-economic stability, seeks to develop long-term and multifactorial cooperation with Russia in the field of trade, peaceful use of the atom, culture, military and military-technical spheres.

A 'Special and Privileged Partnership' between India and Russia Military technical cooperation and military-to-military cooperation constitutes an important pillar in the Special and Privileged Partnership between India and the Russian Federation.

India has taken a number of steps to expedite the collaboration between the Indian and Russian companies after the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on the joint manufacturing of spares in India signed in Vladivostok on September 4, 2019. The IGA provides a framework for partnership of Russian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) with Indian industry for manufacturing of spare parts of Russian origin equipment in use by the Indian defence forces under the 'Make in India' initiative.

India Russia A large number of delegates from Indian and Russian defence sector companies had participated in the 5th round of IndiaRussia Military Industrial Conference (IRMIC) which was conducted in February 2020 on the sidelines of Defexpo-2020 at Lucknow.

As many as 14 MoUs were exchanged between the Russian OEMs and the Indian companies during the conference.

Later, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Moscow to participate in an event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Parade at Red Square, discussed a broad range of areas of cooperation between the two countries in a meeting with Russian Defence Minister, General Sergei Shoigu.

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India said that there was substantial commonality in positions with respect to challenges at the regional and international levels in the areas of peace and security, reflective of the deep trust and confidence that both sides enjoy as strategic partners.

India Russia Friendship Singh had also conveyed appreciation for the steadfast support provided

by Russia consistent with the defence and security needs of India, and in this context, particularly noted "the timely manner in which the Russian had responded" to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems.

India has signed agreements with Russia for production of AK-203 rifles considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces - as a joint venture, manufacturing of spares, components, etc required for Russian/ Soviet origin platforms and defence equipment, manufacture of frigates and supply of S-400 long range surface to air missile system.

Russia India Navy Exercise Indra Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Yelnya had participated in the Naval component of the Indo-Russian tri-services Exercise Indra in 2019 At the same time, exercises like 'Indra Navy' - a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy - have further boosted mutual confidence and cooperation between the defence forces and reinforced the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries. The primary aim of the 11th edition of Indra Navy-20 organised in the Bay of Bengal last September was to epitomise the long-term strategic relationship between the two Navies.

India defence forces heal the world during Covid-19

/indianabroadnews

pandemic Meanwhile, Defence Ministers of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Sudan and UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping among others participated in the session titled 'Role of Military Agencies in fighting against Covid-19' which was addressed by Kumar on Wednesday.

The Defence Secretary stressed on bolstering infrastructure and capabilities for global response to prevent eruption of such pandemics in future.

"Emerging technologies must be leveraged.

For example, Artificial Intelligence can be put to use for infection prediction, data analysis and Covid diagnostics with greater accuracy," he suggested while highlighting India's assistance to other countries in fighting Covid-19.

"India not only fought its own battle, India also helped and continues to help friendly foreign nations to withstand Covid-19. Even at a time of great medical and economic stress, India supported others unhesitatingly, inspired by its ancient belief of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam � the world is one family," he added.

He also highlighted that DRDO established Covid care facilities in a matter of days and embarked to set up 500 medical oxygen plants using the Medical Oxygen Plant technology developed for on-board oxygen generation on Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

"Indian Navy sent a huge number of medical supplies and teams to Indian Ocean Region, while 11 Naval ships ferried in over 1,500 metric tonnes of emergency Liquid Medical Oxygen.

Indian Air Force carried out approximately 1,800 sorties and lifted 15,000 metric tonnes of essential medical supplies from within the country and abroad," Kumar told the conference attendees.

18

WORLD

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

NYC, rising from Covid restrictions, China's migrating elephant herd travels celebrates Yoga Day further south Photo: IANS

Photo: IANS

world, celebrating yoga here in Times Square is very special, very unique, more so today when it happens to be Father's Day, what a happy coincidence."

Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris said yoga is about "health, harmony, unity and togetherness".

New York State had dropped most Covid-19 restrictions on June 15 and Yoga Day was the first major event at Times Square.

New York, June 21: Rising from the pall of Covid-19 restrictions, New York City celebrated International Yoga Day at the Times Square with day-long performances of the ancient Indian art of developing a healthy mind and body.

The city's celebrations were held on Sunday to coincide with the Summer Solstice, which falls a day early this year, but the UN is scheduled to observe the day virtually on Monday.

The UN General Assembly declared June 21 the International Day of Yoga in 2014 at the initiative of India with the support of 177 countries.

More than 3,000 people participated in the "Mind Over Madness Yoga" performances organised by the Indian Consulate General and the Times Square Alliance.

India's Consul General Randhir Jaiswal said at the celebrations: "Yoga is a universal idea, universal thought, universal action.

And what better place than Times Square to celebrate a universal thought. This is the crossroads of the world.

You have people from all over the world coming, here people from five continents coming here, people from all cultures coming here.

"While we celebrate yoga in various parts of the

"We are back. Now is the time to stop wishing and doing more," Harris added.

The Consulate featured a stall with nature care, herbs and health materials from India, which Jaiswal said was to help people "live more in harmony with nature, more in harmony with traditional knowledge".

The relay of yoga exercises that began at 7.30 a.m. and continued till 8 p.m.. It was broadcast live on the internet to help those at home learn the art.

The day has been observed at the UN with top officials joining in the mass exercises, except last year and this year because of the pandemic.

On Monday, the UN is scheduled to hold a virtual event at 8.30 a.m. (6 p.m.

Indian Standard Time) that be telecast over UN TV, which is available on the internet, and on the Indian Mission's social media.

General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir will deliver a message at the event and New York yoga teacher Eddie Stern is slated to give a demonstration.

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/IndianAbroadNews

Beijing, June 24: A herd of 14 migrating wild Asian elephants in China has travelled further south in Eshan county, Yunnan province, authorities said.

The herd headed 15 km south between 6 p.m. on Tuesday and the same time on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The rainy weather in Eshan has added to the difficulty of monitoring and tracking the herd, according to the headquarters in charge of monitoring the elephants' migration.

A male elephant, which strayed 18 days ago, is now 32.5 km away in Jinning district in Kunming, the provincial capital.

On Wednesday, a total of 132 people were mobilised for the work, 957 local

residents were evacuated, and 400 kg of food was provided to the elephants.

The tuskers have travelled about 500 km north from their forest home in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, reaching Kunming on June 2.

For over a month, authorities have sent police to escort the herd, evacuated roads to facilitate their passage, and used food to distract them from entering densely populated areas.

Asian elephants are primarily found in Yunnan and are under A-level state protection in China.

Due to enhanced protection efforts, the wild elephant population in the province grew to about 300, up from 193 in the 1980s.

ADVERISE WITH US 0488-067-243 /indianabroadnews

19

BUSINESS & INVESTMENT

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Cabinet nod to pact with Caribbean nation to fight offshore tax evasion

Photo: IANS

the two countries, including sharing of information held by the banks and other financial institutions encompassing the information regarding the legal and beneficial ownership.

People saving less, household savings moderate in Q3 FY21

Photo: Domain

It will also facilitate the assistance in collection of the tax claims between the two countries.

New Delhi, June 23: In a bid to curb offshore tax evasion, the Union Cabinet has approved an agreement between India and the Caribbean nation -- Saint Vincent and The Grenadines.

Under the pact, both the countries will exchange information and assistance in respect of collection of taxes.

An official statement said this is a new agreement between the Republic of India and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines and there was no such agreement in the past between the two countries.

"Agreement mainly

proposes to facilitate exchange of information between the two countries and to provide assistance to each other in collection of tax claims," it said.

The agreement also contains tax examination abroad provisions which provide that a country may allow the representatives of the other country to enter its territory, to the extent permitted under its domestic laws, to interview individuals and examine records for tax purposes.

According to the Finance Ministry statement, the agreement will help in facilitating the exchange of information between

"Thus, it will strengthen India's commitment to fight offshore tax evasion and tax avoidance practices leading to generation of unaccounted black money," it said.

India has been negotiating this agreement for a long time, said the ministry statement, adding that Saint Vincent and The Grenadines finally agreed to conclude this agreement with India which will promote tax cooperation between the two countries through exchange of information and assistance in collection of outstanding tax claims between the two countries.

Heineken now has controlling stake in Kingfisher-maker United Breweries

New Delhi, June 23: The opening of the economy and easing of Covid infections last year has affected the financial savings of households.

According to Preliminary Estimates of Household Financial Savings released

by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), household financial savings is placed at 8.2 per cent of GDP in Q3 of 2020-21. This is a sequential moderation for the second consecutive quarter after having spiked in the pandemic-hit first quarter of 2020-21.

The moderation was driven by a significant weakening in the flow of household financial assets, which more than offset the moderation in the flow of household financial liabilities, the RBI Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had received an application dated June 7 from Heineken International seeking exemption from an open offer for additional UBL shares.

New Delhi, June 23: Heineken International B.V. now has controlling stake in United Breweries Ltd (UBL) after it picked up nearly 15 per cent additional stake in the company.

The shares were sold by the Debt Recovery Tribunal on Wednesday, on behalf of an SBI-led consortium for around Rs 5,800 crore.

"Heineken N.V. today

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announces that it has acquired an additional 39,644,946 ordinary shares in United Breweries Ltd (UBL) taking its shareholding in UBL from 46.5 per cent to 61.5 per cent," Heineken said in a statement.

United Breweries manufactures India's popular beer brand Kingfisher. It was owned by Vijay Mallya, who is in Britain and considered

an economic offender. India has been trying to extradite him over loan dues and fraud.

The transaction comes a day after the capital market regulator SEBI on Tuesday exempted Heineken from the obligation of making an open offer for acquiring additional shares in UBL. The Securities and

/IndianAbroadNews

On Monday, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had approved the additional equity stake acquisition by Heineken in United Breweries.

In a tweet on Monday, the CCI said: "Commission approves proposed acquisition of additional equity stake in United Breweries Limited by Heineken International B.V." HIBV is an investment holding company and is itself not engaged in any business activity. It is a

/indianabroadnews

said in its report.

The ratio of household (bank) deposits to GDP also declined to 3.0 per cent in the October -December quarter of FY21 from 7.7 per cent in the previous quarter.

The RBI said that despite higher borrowings from banks and housing finance companies, the flow in household financial liabilities was marginally lower in Q3, following a marked decline in borrowings from non-banking financial companies.

The household debt to GDP ratio, which is based on select financial instruments, has been increasing steadily since end-March 2019. It rose sharply to 37.9 per cent at end-December 2020 from 37.1 per cent at end-September 2020. direct/indirect shareholder for all non-Dutch companies that form part of the Heineken Group.

The Heineken Group is an international group of companies engaged in the production, manufacture, packaging, distribution, marketing and sale of beer, non-alcoholic beer, cider and cider-based beverages, and a range of other beverages.

UBL is a public limited company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 and is principally engaged in the manufacture, sale and distribution of beer in India. Its shares are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.

20

LITERATURE

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Renowned neurologist Panagariya's memoir to be released posthumously June 28

conventional understanding of monkhood, which seeks renunciation of material pursuits in search of a spiritual quest.

O

n the day of his demise from postCovid complications, renowned neurologist Ashok Panagariyas publisher announced that his memoir, "Monk in a Merc", which will serve as a poignant reminder for anyone looking to achieve eternal happiness and mental peace while pursuing all of lifes luxuries, material wealth and professional success, will be released on June 28.

It will pull at the heartstrings because it asks questions like: Can we find happiness and attain mental peace without relinquishing our material goals? What if we could understand why we behave and act the way we do?

How does our brain really trick us into many of the decisions we make every day? What if we could actually train our brain and improve our ability to lead a more meaningful life -- not only for ourselves but also for society?

The memoir is all the more poignant because Panagariya blends his life experiences with modern science and Indic

philosophy to tackle these questions and shares tools that anyone can acquire to become a better 'brain-manager'. He delves deeply into the human mind, showing what makes the brain unique and the remarkable intrinsic capacity it holds to influence our lives. He does all this while making us acutely aware of the role luck and chance play in how we eventually shape up.

"Monk in a Merc" (Bloomsbury) is an insightful read for anyone looking to achieve eternal happiness and peace while still enjoying all that life offers -- material wealth and professional success. It turns the table on the

Ashok Panagariya is the younger brother of Arvind Panagariya, the first Vice Chairman of NITI Ayog and who has just published his own book titled "My Father: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Man", which details the journey of their father Baloo Lal Panagariya, then twenty-five years old, who arrived in Jaipur in 1946, to join the editorial staff of the newspaper Lokvani, devoted to exposing the excesses of the British and princely rulers of Rajputana.

One of India's leading neurologists, Ashok Panagariya was a recipient of the Padma Shri (his elder brother was honoured with the Padma Bhushan) and the BC Roy Award. A former President of Indian Academy of Neurology, he had practised medicine for over 40 years and had served more than a million patients. A mentor and a life coach to many, Panagariya endeavoured to help people find health, happiness and longevity by tapping into the power of the brain and mind.

Mastering the art of thinking in an AI-driven world New Delhi, June 11: Heres a book that will get you thinking about thinking.

Canadian psychologist John Paul Minda's "How To Think: Understanding the Way We Decide, Remember and Make Sense of the World" (Hachette) is a comprehensive and accessible overview of how the brain works and how you think, learn, remember, make choices and experience the world.

In the current era of big data, algorithms and AI, knowing about how humans think -- indeed, how you think -- is more important than ever before.

We understand more about the brain than ever before and we also have more tools than ever before to help us think. This book will show you how your brain works, how your mind works, why we all make certain mistakes in thinking and why that's not always a bad thing.

In order to understand how people behave, you need to understand how people think. And if you want to understand how people think, you need to have a basic understanding of cognitive psychology, cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience.

This book explains

cognition and the links between the brain, the mind and behaviour in a clear and straightforward way.

Through interesting case studies and research examples, Minda shows how the brain is involved in mental activity, how memory works, how language affects thought, how good (and bad) decisions are made, and why we make predictable errors in our thinking.

With practical applications for everyday life, this a book that helps us become better thinkers, better learners and better problem-solvers.

Minda is a professor of psychology at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

He has been studying the mind and brain for over 20 years and has written extensively on the topic of how people think. He is the author of the textbook "The Psychology of Thinking".

Harsh Vardhan unveils 'My Joys and Sorrows - as a Mother of a Special Child' book

New Delhi, June 20: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan has unveiled Krishna Saksena's book "My Joys and Sorrows – as a Mother of a Special Child".

Vardhan said that he felt lucky to read this crisp book and was inspired by the simple language used by Saksena.

"This book is an epitome of the bravery and endurance of a mother, in the best tradition of Indian motherhood. Like to the country, we must pay our

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respects to such a mother.

Not just mothers, I expect fathers to read this book to learn about parenting a child and parenting a generation", Vardhan said.

He further said that the way he worked very hard towards eradication of polio through vaccination.

Similarly Covid-19 would also end soon through inoculation of all Indians.

The book will be available in bookstores and online platforms. My Joys and Sorrows as a Mother of a Special Child (Ocean

Books, Delhi, 2021) is a heart-warming and yet heart-rending book that is difficult to read because it inevitably makes you cry. And yet it must be read because it shows the heroism and sacrifices of an Indian mother and makes us realise that so-called normal life is not to be taken for granted.

It is a learning and a spiritual experience reading the book. It shows the power of pure love and faith. The book is written in a conversational and easy-going style, making us

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feel like participants in the author's life journey.

On the journey of writing the book, Krishna Saksena recalls "I had never imagined I could have written of my life with Shiv. It felt too much my own, my most intimate experiences. But

/indianabroadnews

with age, I realized that it is also my responsibility to give voice to a child who has no voice of his own. And his voice is so entangled with my own that this book could not have been but an autobiography of two selves as one."

21

ART & CULTURE

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Marshalling the art of Kalaripayattu Overcoming obstacles, financial and other, practitioners of Kalaripayattu have kept alive the ancient martial art-form of Kerala, a treat to watch for lovers of art and ancient warfare, says Rabindra Mukherji

Artists assuming yogic postures before their performance of the ancient marshal art-form.

been traced to Vedic texts.

Masters impart training to their pupils in this ancient martial art-form in schools known as Kalaris. This martial art-form is said to be indigenous to Kerala, in India.

Artists in action during the sword fight in an exhibition of the ancient marshal art-form.

W

ars and battlefields have always caught people’s imagination, and if it happens to be a swordfight like the ones we hear of, read in the books, or watch on television, it is all the more enchanting and exhilarating. The clanging of swords, the clamour for war, the noise, and the chaos are all ingredients for a jump in viewership, be it a live show or the one on television. In this respect, I am no exception as martial art-forms have always intrigued me, and at every whiff of an opportunity to witness one first-hand, I am

prepared to put aside the day’s assignment and travel miles to occupy a seat among the audience. But now it was leisure time, and I was holidaying in Kerala with my friends, who would, like me, scarcely miss a moment of adventure.

I was in Thekkady, Kerala, and if you are here, visiting a Kalaripayattu exhibition is a must, and you would do well not to miss out on the awe-inspiring show put up by the traditional martial art performers.

Kalaripayattu is believed to be the oldest martial art-form, which is 2000 years old. Its origins have

Artists fight it out with swords and shields in an exhibition of the ancient marshal art-form.

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Even as the above-mentioned facts were being impressed upon us by a newly made friend, we were heading for the venue and finally reached there at six in the evening. After making necessary enquiries as to the exact location of the show, we bought tickets and soon settled ourselves comfortably in our chairs.

Spectacle on offer After a brief period some announcements were made, and after another pause, the martial art performers made for the allotted place of their daily adventure. Before the show began, gods were invoked, presumably for its successful beginning and conclusion. The arena for the exhibition of combat is rather small, considering

the manoeuvring the artists have to do when they are engaged in a sword-fight.

The vantage point of the viewers affords them an experience of being a participant in the bone-chilling action of swords clanging against each other, ringing out teeth-jarring sound of metal against metal. There is an expectancy in the air for the warriors’ next move. The whole action is nothing short of a spectacle evoking simultaneous feelings of utter excitement and fear, even giving one goosebumps at the thought of being at the receiving end of the assault. The experience is fantastic yet real, that’s what makes it so special. As the swords hit hard at each other, sparks emanate, as if from a naked electric wire. The intricate movement of the martial artists’ body parts, their focused attention to the objective of outwitting the opponent in combat, and achieving the ultimate triumph of the body and mind working in unison make for an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Then the awestruck crowd witnesses the amazing feat of fighter after fighter jumping through a hoop of blazing fire, the searing heat of the flame scaring the wits out of the viewers.

No one budges an inch; glued to their seats, viewers behold the artists exhibit their prowess as they handle swords and shields, spears, sticks, and other weapons or jump through blazing hoops, or perform awesome stick-work with

An artist performs a trick with a flame-laden stick in an exhibition of the ancient marshal art-form.

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fire dripping from the sticks laden with flames, or display the trick of disentangling by freeing oneself when tied up with a rope, all with indescribable deftness and flamboyance.

The efforts of the artists are not without the pay-off of a painful injury that often goes unnoticed till the end of the show. Sometimes the injury can be serious as the one in which one of the artists, who has to sit out today, almost chopped off his thumb during a training session of sword-fighting.

He now has a thickly bandaged thumb, the swelling of the palm and the wrist being still visible after, what I am told, a fortnight since the accident occurred. The pain is less now than it was earlier, but the spirit of the warrior is undaunted and he is raring to go at the first chance post recovery. Such injuries, and even worse ones, are not a rarity here.

But the artists take all this in their stride, and maintain composure in the face of difficult circumstances. The injuries do not deter them from entering the arena of the combat again and again. Unaware of their pains and fatigue, the warriors take a bow amidst thunderous applause, signaling the end of the marvelous show.

Arduous way to perfection Even as spectators watch the incredible act of human valour, endurance, and fortitude, none would, perhaps, venture so much as to spare a thought for these artists of traditional warfare, who undergo tough training sessions in the course of their way to perfecting the art. The ‘stalwarts’ standing close by, now that the show is over and there is still time for the next one, I am told, have expended some 16 or so years following the strict training schedules, engaging in rigours of practice, both morning and evening, to achieve continued on page 24

22

ART & CULTURE

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Exhibition on Satyajit Ray as a children's magazine illustrator creating riddles, puzzles, and editing and illustrating other contributors' works.

Satyajit Ray and Sandesh

as part of the centenary year celebrations of the legendary filmmaker, writer, illustrator and music composer. Sandesh (meaning both information as well as sweetmeat), is the iconic Bengali children's magazine started by Ray's grandfather, Upendrakishore Raychaudhury in 1913.

A

n online exhibition presenting a selection of Sandesh covers, illustrated by Satyajit Ray, is on view from June 14-27, continued frompage 24

Presented by India International Centre, the exhibition is titled 'Aap Kya Sandesh Laya'.

A prolific illustrator, as Editor of the magazine, Ray painted and designed each of the covers in addition to contributing his own stories,

Satyajit Ray was a multifaceted genius who will be remembered as much for his graphic designing and illustrations as for his storytelling prowess. He was a great artist first, well before he made his name as a filmmaker. He designed book covers, film posters, illustrated children's books and had a mastery over calligraphy and typography creating numerous new fonts in Bengali and four Roman fonts, receiving an award for designing the typeface for Ray Roman.

Ray's artistic work reflects a sophisticated experimentation with various artistic styles and traditions, both local and foreign, without compromising on aesthetic or authenticity. Throughout his career, sketching, graphic design and calligraphy merged seamlessly with his filmmaking.

In 1961, Satyajit Ray relaunched the children's

magazine Sandesh that was originally founded by his grandfather. To make the magazine more appealing to children, Ray created all the illustrations, including the covers. The cover designs incorporated colourful geometric and floral patterns in saturated primary colours with lines and textures similar to wood block printing.

Often using different folk motifs, motifs from traditional day-to-day rangolis (in Bengal, alpana) or the 'pattachitra' style of narrative painting. Experimenting with creative illustrations, he created four comic strips for Sandesh. However, these comic strips were 'silent', the characters did not converse with each other, leaving the narrative to the readers imagination.

Constantly experimenting, using ink and pen, pencil, watercolours and ordinary poster paint in different stylisations, Ray's illustrations are striking in the way they marry playfulness with strong lines. For readers, every cover of the

magazine was a constant source of surprise and delight, as with each issue, Ray played around with the word 'Sandesh' using different calligraphic and typographical styles.

Since the time of its publication, Sandesh was usually printed in the standard size of 7.5 inches x 9.5 inches. However, for a few years from 1970 to 1973, Ray experimented with a new size as an innovation to try and inspire a child's imagination. For these three years, it was published as a bimonthly magazine and for the first time in the history of juvenile periodicals in the large format of 13 inches x 10 inches.

In subsequent years, the magazine reverted back to the original size. Since Satyajit Ray's passing in 1992, Sandesh continues to be published with his son Sandip Ray at the helm and is now also available online. The covers remain those created and designed by Satyajit Ray during his lifetime.

Artists engaged in a spear battle in an exhibition of the ancient marshal art-form; the one on the left, who is unarmed, is at the receiving end of the attack, and must protect himself from the assault of the spear holder.

the lofty standards of their predecessors. Some seem to be in their late 20s or early 30s, while a few look several years younger.

Such is the delight and the passion that some have abandoned education in pursuit of this traditional art-form, with none, as is told me, going beyond 12th standard and some having quit education after only 5th standard.

Battling economic hardships As the artists make a public display of their talent, they fight another battle -- that of overcoming the obstacles

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of poverty. The artists get a meagre sum for their risky stunts, as an hour of their sterling performance yields only Rs 100 per artist.

Despite financial hardships, these warriors remain disciplined, focused, and dignified right before and after their performance.

For them, Kalaripayattu is not just a form of art, it is a worship of the divine, a kind of spiritual practice, a meditative retreat to the innermost sanctum of the heart where inhabit the God and the soul.

Meanwhile, as I am lost in my inner world of imaginative wars and warriors,

Artists locked in combat positions with a sword and a shield in an exhibition of the ancient marshal art-form.

I am shaken out of my cogitative state by the loud noise of the performers, getting all decked up and raring to go for yet another iteration, another display of their mettle, and pride for what they are, what they do, and what they stand for -- a remarkable bridge that connects the glorious past with the run-of-the-mill

/IndianAbroadNews

present.

Pullquote 2

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The whole action is nothing short of a spectacle evoking simultaneous feelings of utter excitement and fear, even giving one goosebumps at the thought of being at the receiving end of the assault. The experience is fantastic yet real, that’s what makes it so special.

Kalaripayattu is believed to be the oldest martial art-form, which is 2000 years old. Its origins have been traced to Vedic texts.

Masters impart training to their pupils in this ancient martial art-form in schools known as Kalaris.

/indianabroadnews

23

SPORTS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

New Zealand are worthy winners

T

he New Zealand cricket side, a likeable unit that displays spirit of the game to a tee, won the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) and proved to be worthy winner.

Under the captaincy of Kane Williamson, each and every member of the side showed discipline, dedication, maturity and humility on and off the field.

New Zealand deserved to win, one felt, to even out the unfortunate loss they suffered two years ago in the ODI World Cup final against England at Lord’s.

The sight of players, who were unlucky losers on a World Cup forum earlier, gleefully lifting the trophy showed that the game of cricket is full of highs and lows.

It seemed the final would be a washout with the weather in Southampton playing spoilsport. The additional day introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to accommodate a rain-marred day proved to be a blessing in disguise. The sun came out on the final day like a beacon of light to bless the occasion and New Zealand made the best use of it.

The match was played in a gentlemanly fashion. Both India and New Zealand showcased competitive aggression but respected

each other as friendly rivals.

With both sides having a positive mindset to get a result, Test cricket was the winner. The final day was an interesting affair as any result was possible -- a win for either side or a draw.

India’s loss may put the focus on team selection.

The lack of another pace or swing bowler instead of a spinner is one area being discussed at length. One felt that the side selected was the best team to take field. Unfortunately, India at present do not have a pace bowling all-rounder in their midst.

Shardul Thakur was their only option and one could debate as to why he was not a part of the playing XI. Hardik Pandya would have been a good option if he was fit and so to boost the Indian lower-order batting, Ravindra Jadeja was an ideal choice. Additionally, the Kiwi batsmen are not very comfortable playing spin and this was evident when Ashwin had both the New Zealand openers in his bag in the second innings.

The lack of match practice, one felt, was the Achilles’ heel of the Indian side. Both the batsmen and bowlers were experimenting a fair bit out in the middle.

Batsmen were seen taking a stance outside the crease to counter the swing and

movement of the ball in the air and off the wicket.

This may be a good approach, but it needed one to master it before implementation on such an important stage. Similarly, the bowlers were struggling to get consistency and rhythm in their line and length and India’s potent pace bowling weapon, Jasprit Bumrah, was one clear victim.

The New Zealand team, having played two Test matches before the final and having been in England for over a month, were more comfortable and confident in both the bowling and batting departments.

The Indian pace bowlers did bowl exceedingly well in the first innings but the mature and technically solid defence of Kane Williamson defused the situation. The Indian bowlers looked a bit jaded at the end of New Zealand’s first innings and those additional runs by the Kiwis’ tail-enders did give them that extra boost and confidence. India, from thereon, were playing catching up.

The present Indian side is an aggressive unit, always marching to take the battle into the enemy’s camp. This proved well for them during the series wins against

Australia and England earlier, which helped them reach the WTC final. They, therefore, felt compelled to do so even when the chips were down.

In cricket, one must gauge the situation and prevailing conditions which the Indian batsmen failed to do. The early departure of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara during the last day’s play put India on the back-foot, but the Indian batsmen still felt that they had the firepower to notch a reasonable score in quick time.

The astute Williamson understood India’s game-plan as Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant looked set for an assault. He cleverly brought in Neil Wagner to bowl bouncers with four fielders deeply placed on the leg-side boundary.

At the other bowling end, he had the most impressive and accurate Kyle Jamieson bowling his immaculate

Andhra CM meets Tokyo Olympics bound state sportspersons Amaravati, June 30: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday met Tokyo Olympics bound state athletes and conveyed his best wishes to them, including announcing cash incentives.

Reddy met international badminton stars P.V. Sindhu, R. Satwiksairaj and women's hockey player Rajani Etimarpu's parents as she is currently undergoing training at Bengaluru.

three sportspersons.

The Chief Minister handed over cash incentive of Rs five lakh to each of the

He also gave a copy of the government order allocating 2 acre of land to

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Sindhu to set up a badminton academy in port city Visakhapatnam.

Tourism, Culture and Youth

/IndianAbroadNews

Advancement Minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, Principal Secretary Ram Gopal and others attended the event. /indianabroadnews

line and length. The New Zealand skipper slowed the momentum of the game by not giving the Indian pair easy boundaries and playing on the patience of the attacking and aggressive duo. Both succumbed to the ploy along with Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammad Shami.

India, rather than playing for a draw, were outsmarted by Williamson and his tactics. One could hear shouts from the stand accusing the Kiwis captain of playing safe, but aggression can also be shown in defence and this was one example of New Zealand playing smarter than India.

A Test champion cannot be decided in a match. The ICC should ensure two things.

One is to have a 3-match series final and the other is to see every team playing each other. India, in this edition, missed playing Pakistan and Sri Lanka. A World Test Championship needs better scheduling and the ICC needs to make it a priority.

The WTC final showed how Test cricket tests one’s skills, patience, stamina, fitness, consistency and mental strength. The see-saw battle between the two top Test playing sides was on show highlighting the vagaries and uncertainties of the game. Thank heavens, the runs and strike-rates were not on the agenda.

The skill of good technical batting and bowling was on display. Who said Test cricket was boring!

Congrats New Zealand, you are deserving and worthy winners.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former Test cricketer. Views expressed are personal)

24

SPORTS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

India a formidable and truly great side: Kane Williamson out to be the New Zealand skipper's masterstroke, after the bowler accounted for both overnight batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli to leave India in dire straits in the second innings.

Ajay Jadeja fined Rs 5K for dumping garbage in Goa village

Williamson said India too had good depth in their seam bowling department and their pace attack was "relentless".

Auckland, June 29: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson termed India a "formidable" and a "truly great side", and that the Black Caps were "proud to achieve a win" against the Virat Kohli-led side in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Southampton recently.

opportunity in a one-off game. It never really tells the whole picture. As we know, this Indian team is a formidable side. They truly are a great side," Williamson told India Today on Monday.

New Zealand won the rain-marred summit match against India by eight wickets to bag the winning purse of Rs 12 crore along with an ICC Test Championship Mace.

"We are proud to have achieved a win in this match but that takes nothing away from the quality that India had in their team, how strong they are year in and year out.

I have got absolutely no doubt they will win plenty, plenty more."

"In sport, when you have tournaments and finals, these are set up in a way to provide excitement and

Williamson employed tall paceman Kyle Jamieson at the start of the reserve sixth day of the Test and it turned

"You feel the quality every time you come up against them. They are relentless with the ball. The seam bowling depth in the world is probably the best in the world. Their spinners, they are incredible bowlers and the batting perhaps need no mention; it's world class.

And the depth they have been creating.

"It's the passion that the country brings to the sport. Although I play for a different country, I think we can all appreciate the passion they bring to the game. It's rewarding for everybody that plays the game," he added.

Olympic-bound Toor wins gold, sets record in Inter-State Athletics August 8, the burly Punjab thrower was the most consistent athlete in the field as his five legal throws were more than 20m mark in the competition on Monday.

Toor's second throw of 20.63m was better than the Inter-State Athletics record of 20.44m. His next throw was 20.96m while his fourth attempt was 21.10m Patiala, June 28: Olympicbound Tajinderpal Singh Toor won gold and set a meet record in men's shot put with a throw of 21.10 metres at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships here on Monday.

With less than a month to go for Tokyo Olympics, which run from July 23 to

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Earlier this week, at the Indian Grand Prix (IGP) IV, Toor had achieved the Olympic qualification mark of 21.10m with a national as well as Asian record of 21.49m.

Annu Rani's gold medal-winning effort of 62.83m in the women's javelin were better than her own Inter-State meet record of 59.87m but she fell short of the Olympic qualification

mark of 64m.

The deadline to achieve the Olympic qualification mark is June 29. Annu has missed the qualification mark of 64m, but she could still win a ticket to Japan based on her overall world ranking points. She is currently ranked 14.

Panaji, June 28: Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who owns a bungalow in the picturesque Aldona village in North Goa, has been fined Rs 5,000 for dumping garbage in the neighbouring village of Nachinola, the sarpanch of the village, Trupti Bandodkar, said on Monday.

Bandodkar said the popular cricketer of the '90s paid the fine without any fuss.

"We are plagued by the garbage issue in our village. Garbage from outside is also dumped in the village, so we appointed some youth to collect

the garbage bags and scan them for any proof to identify the culprits," the sarpanch said.

"We found a bill in the name of Ajay Jadeja in some bags of garbage.

When we informed him not to dump the garbage in the village in future, he said he was willing to pay the fine.

So he paid it. We are proud that such a celebrity, a popular cricket player, stays in our village, but such people should follow the garbage norms," Bandodkar said.

The village of Aldona is home to several celebrities, including Jadeja and writer Amitav Ghosh, among others.

Results Shot Put: 1. Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Punjab) 21.10m (Meet Record. Old: 20.44m, Inderjeet Singh, Chennai, 2015); 2. Karanveer Singh (Punjab) 19.33; 3. Vanam Sharma (Rajasthan) 18.33.

Javelin Throw: 1. Annu Rani (Uttar Pradesh) 62.83m (Meet Record. Old: 59.87m, Annu Rani, Hyderabad, 2016); 2. Sanjana Choudhary (Rajasthan) 52.65; 3. Pushpa Jakhar (Haryana) 52.48.

/IndianAbroadNews

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25

TRAVEL

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

24-yr-old Indian Everester gives a clarion call for renewable energy

W

hen one finds COVID-19 has spread to the Earth's highest mountain, the need to look at sustainable living and promoting the use of clean, renewable sources of energy, becomes crucial. This is what 24-year-old, mountaineer and adventure seeker Harshvardhan Joshi, who successfully scaled Mt. Everest in his very first attempt this year, would like to focus on.

Joshi was able to scale the world's tallest summit, a journey that requires indomitable grit and determination despite COVID-19 hitting the region, which delayed the expedition.

Rather than taking a pessimistic view of things, he prefers to look at COVID-19 pragmatically, believing it has contributed positively towards promoting the use of clean, renewable sources of energy.

Joshi's story is one of the many stories highlighted under Seagram’s Royal Stag's initiative ‘Make it Large Stories’, which showcases the journeys of those individuals who dream big and are fearless to chase them.

Harshvardhan found his calling in mountaineering at the age of 18. Since then, he has completed 100+ expeditions in the Himalayas.

He has also climbed over 6000 meter peaks 20 times and was the lead mountain guide for the Indian Airforce Winter Expedition Ladakh,

2018. His determination to change the world by encouraging the use of clean energy in our daily lives drove him to attempt summiting Mt. Everest.

He speaks to us about mountaineering, clean energy, his early days and making it large: Tell us about your beginnings in mountaineering and outdoor sports. How did you discover this?

Joshi: A lot of people who meet me now, think I have been an athletic person since childhood. But the truth is, most of my life I have had a very sedentary lifestyle. I was the geeky kid who was primarily into academics and loved playing video games.

I would say that my tryst with adventure and outdoor athletics started at the age of 15 when I started working in the technology space. I used to assemble and sell computers around Mumbai. The primary motive was independence and my passion for technology. It was during that time I met a few doctors from my town who were into trekking. They took me for a hike to a nearby sanctuary and incidentally, I train there every day now. These doctor friends of mine shared their stories from their expeditions to Nepal Himalayas. As a 15-year-old kid, I was awestruck. They even invited me for one of their Everest expeditions back then in 2011, but I found it very expensive (INR

70K) and more importantly, I was busy enjoying my teenage entrepreneur life along with my college friends.

During the summer of 2015 I got to know about Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI). It seemed super-affordable and very exhilarating to go on such adventurous trips. That is when I decided to go for a trekking expedition and realized my love for travel and adventure.

You scaled many shorter peaks, along with an Ironman Triathlon, racing and cycling expeditions, before finally achieving the Everest feat. What kept you going?

Joshi: I always targeted goals that might have a significant financial bearing, but the physical and mental cost involved is far greater. It is my thirst for learning and pushing my endurance levels that sparks my motivation levels.

It makes me really happy when someone reads my story and goes for a run for the first time in their adult life, no matter how long or fast, starting that journey is the most important thing.

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on your group’s expedition? Reports point to a Coronavirus outbreak in the Himalayas affecting over 100 climbers and support staff. What can you tell us about the on-ground situation?

Govt to give tourist visa free of charge to 5 government on Monday range of Rs 100 crore. lakh travellers the said that it would offer tourist visa free of charge till March 31, 2022.

As part of the financial relief package for the travel industry, finance minister Sitharaman announced that once visa issuance is restarted, the first 5 lakh tourists' visas will be issued free of charge.

New Delhi, June 28: As part of plan to provide relief to the tourism industry, among the worst affected sectors by the pandemic, and to encourage travel activities,

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She said that this has been one of the demands of the travel industry which the government has accepted.

The financial implication of the move is expected in the

The scheme will be applicable till March 31, 2022 or till 5,00,000 visas are issued, whichever is earlier. The benefit will also be available only once per tourist.

About 10.93 million foreign tourists visited India in 2019, spent $30.098 billion on leisure and business.

Average daily stay for a foreign tourist in India is 21 days. Average daily spending of a tourist in India is around $34 (Rs 2,400).

/IndianAbroadNews

Joshi: The pandemic hit us unexpectedly, in one of the most hostile environments in the world. However, dealing with unanticipated roadblocks is all part and parcel of scaling the highest peak in the world.

While the exact data of infected people on Mt. Everest is not available to us, the situation itself was dire. Some members of my team had to be evacuated as their situation was worse than the others. What made the situation even more unfortunate was that we had no on-ground information on the situation as the modes of communication at that height are weak and rare at Base Camp due to lack of connectivity.

Since COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease and is known to severely affect endurance, agility and core

/indianabroadnews

strength, what is the toll it has taken on sportspersons like yourself?

Joshi: The conditions on Mt. Everest are not ideal for an infected person- lack of oxygen, body is under stress, no proper medical support or infrastructure and no communication. I tested positive just before I was supposed to start my summit push from Base Camp.

I isolated myself as soon as I tested positive and waited it out for over 10 days until the next weather window. Fortunately, I was asymptomatic, probably, due to the two doses of vaccine which I took before my expedition. The vaccine not only saved my life but also saved the investment I had made in terms of time, money and years of preparation.

26

TRAVEL

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

India’s evolving culinary culture: Travel cafes In a country that delves deeply into gastronomical pleasures and choices, innovative travel cafes have managed to create a distinct place among coffee lovers and frequent diners in India, says Mohita Saxena

G

one are the days when Indians were left tongue-tied with the picturesque cafes that embellished the by-lanes of United Kingdom, Spain, or Germany. Though we still continue to smell inspiration from all corners of the world, the mushrooming culture of immaculately conceptualised and painstakingly designed theme-based cafes and snack bars have definitely revolutionized the culinary culture of a country that delves deeply into gastronomical pleasures and choices.

Though the lure and aroma of the inimitable Indian Coffee Houses still rule our hearts, the burgeoning population of interesting and innovative travel cafes have managed to create a distinct niche for themselves among avid coffee lovers and frequent diners.

The concept of transforming cafes and eateries into spaces that reflect the ideologies and schools of thought that they advocate, through their decor and props, is slowly evolving the culinary definitions in a never before manner.

Kumzum Cafe -- one-stop cafe shop The best aspect of the sprouting travel cafes is the fact that there’s something in store for everyone, irrespective of one’s age, gender, interests, culinary choices, and social standing. For instance, perhaps, India’s most widely popularised travel cafe, Kumzum Travel Cafe, is a one-stop destination for Hauz Khaas explorers in New Delhi looking for a steaming cup of coffee, a quiet and cosy setting to laze around, a collection of interesting travel books and photographs to browse through, and to get engrossed in soul-stirring conversations with fellow travellers.

The holistic interiors of the space add a further dollop of the much-needed warmth and congeniality.

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Ciclo Cafe -- a cyclist's delight Chennai based Ciclo Cafe is one of its only kind, the one that boasts of being India’s first cycling cafe. With its striking cyclist-friendly interiors, comfortable couches, cycling literature and photographs on display, it gives the visitors and cycling enthusiasts a whiff of fresh air in a culture that is preoccupied with the lure of luxury automobiles otherwise. Of course, the inspiration for its conceptualising may have had its seeds in Europian or American lands, but the ambience and menu that it strived to curate is undoubtedly fresh, appealing, and cosmopolitan, to say the least. On a leisurely day, one can find this lively place brimming with enthusiasts admiring a myriad of cycle frames, saddles, and other memorabilia put up with an intention of reviving the cycling culture among today’s youth.

Cafe By the Way Cafe By the Way in Mussoorie is a traveller’s retreat in the enigmatic Himalayan landscapes.

Courtesy its out-of-the-box interiors that include Polaroid cameras, comfortable loungers, and scooter-style bar stools, it is catching up as a den for travellers or tourist looking to replenish their appetite for food, music, intellectual conversations, and travel stories.

Backpackers Cafe Catching up with the trend of cafes catering to the

travelling needs of backpackers is Chandigarh’s Backpackers Cafe. With a vintage open kitchen and all-day breakfast menus especially customised for bikers and off-roaders who are finding their way through the winding uphill roads en route Kasauali, Shimla, and the likes, this cafe is an oasis. With delectable and tantalising choices on its menu and an uplifting ambience comprising of vintage photographs, chandeliers, and decorative pieces, it is a haven for visitors and coffee lovers.

It, therefore, comes as no surprise when one encounters writers, bloggers, photographers, bikers, off-roaders, artists, readers, and coffee lovers lounging around lazily in the breathtakingly beautiful and strikingly conceptualised cafes that are proliferating through the length and breadth of the country. Of course, it is a giant leap for a country that has since times immemorial been known for its obsession with tea. It definitely feels great to notice an increasing number of coffee lovers giving a stiff competition to staunch tea-drinkers.

known for its obsession with tea

Photo credits: Mohita Saxena

Ciclo Cafe -- a cyclist’s delight

Cafe By the Way

Here’s to brighter times ahead for coffee lovers!

--Ends-Pullquote

Ciclo Cafe -- a cyclist’s delight

Breathtakingly beautiful and strikingly conceptualised cafes that are proliferating through the length and breadth of the country are a giant leap for a country that has since times immemorial been

Kumzum Cafe -- one-stop cafe shop

Backpackers Cafe

/IndianAbroadNews

/indianabroadnews

27

LATA JI’S KITCHEN

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

‘Indian Cooking with Lata Modi’

SABUDANA KHICHARI & PUMPKIN SWEET AND SOUR and fry peanuts for 10-15 seconds to make them crunchy .

Take them out .

Now add mustard seeds and curry leaves in same oil Stir them quickly boiled ) 1/4 cup roasted peanuts Curry leaves 1-2 chopped fresh green chilies

H

ello friends

I always like start my receipe with a everyday experience of life .

Lots of people worship Lord Shiva On specific days and observe fasting .

Today we are doing two dishes just perfect for your fasting days .

The first receipe SABUDANA KHICHARI ( Sago cooked with potatoes and pea nuts )

Add your boiled chopped potatoes, stir Add salt and all the spices

2 tea spoon cumin powder

It’s ready to be served hot .

1 tea spoon red chilli powder

PUMPKIN SWEET AND SOUR

Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing(optional) METHOD To make Sabudana khichari you have to wash it really well and then soak it over night .

Pressure cook it on a medium heat , otherwise it might burn .

Add your fennel seeds and stir .

It should be cooked in ten minutes

Add turmeric powder and now add your cut up pumpkin.

Turn the heat off.

Stir well and now add salt and all the spices .

Transfer in a serving dish and garnish with coriander.

Let it sit until all the pressure is gone .

Kaddu ki khatti meethi Subzi INGREDIENTS: for 4-6 people 1 kilo pumpkin, peeled and washed and cut in bite size pieces.

2 tea spoon Fennel seeds ( saunf) 1 tea spoon mustard seeds 2 tea spoon Amchoor powder

In the morning drain it and keep it aside .

(It is dry mango powder for tangy taste )

2 cups Sabudana ( sago )

Boil potatoes and chop them in small sized pieces .

1 tea spoont turmeric powder

5 medium sized potatoes (

Take a big wok , heat oil

One tea spoon coriander powder

INGREDIENTS: for 4-6 people

Add mustard seeds , let them crackle

Fold it through Garnish with chopped coriander

One and a half table spoon olive oil or ghee .

Do not add any water .

Add peanuts

1 tea spoon black mustard seeds

Salt to taste

So heat oil in your pressure cooker

One tea spoon cumin powder One tea soon red chilli powder 2-3 fresh green chillies chopped Salt to taste Two table spoon oil METHOD: It is best done in Pressure cooker

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/IndianAbroadNews

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28

SCI-FI

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

FB working on visual search KL University students develop for shopping on Instagram e-bike with wireless charging San Francisco, June 23: Facebook is working on visual search technology for Instagram as it doubles down on shopping features throughout its platform.

While speaking in a live audio room on Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg said the company is in the early stages of building camera-based search tools.

The feature would be similar to the ones offered

by Snapchat and Pinterest, which have both invested heavily into visual search, Engadget reported.

Zuckerberg outlined two potential use cases for the

technology on Instagram.

When browsing Instagram, visual search could surface similar products available elsewhere in the app, or it could allow users to find products using their cameras or images from their camera roll, the report said.

"When you find something you will be able to tap on it and find similar products that people across all of our shops are selling the moment that you see something that you like," Zuckerberg said.

and WhatsApp.

"New commerce features coming to support businesses and make shopping easier -- Shops on WhatsApp and Marketplace, Instagram Visual Search and Shops Ads. More detail in the comments," Zuckerberg wrote on a Facebook post.

Facebook has already been integrating product catalogs into WhatsApp chats, but now businesses will be able to create storefronts for the chat app.

"We think that visual search is going to be really helpful in making photos shoppable Instagram overall," he added.

The company is also working on "Shops ads" that would allow businesses to target ads based on "people's individual shopping preferences".

In addition to visual search for Instagram, Zuckerberg also announced that Facebook Shops will soon be arriving on Marketplace

Eventually, Facebook could further personalise these ads with special offers or promotions, Zuckerberg said.

IBM, IISc unveil lab to advance Hybrid Cloud research in India in India, for India and the world," said Gargi Dasgupta, Director, IBM Research India.

Bengaluru, June 23: IBM in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) here on Wednesday unveiled the 'IBM-IISc Hybrid Cloud' lab to advance research in hybrid cloud technologies and drive breakthrough innovations in this area.

Located at the IISc campus in Bengaluru, students and faculty across departments of the institute will work alongside IBM scientists that can help organisations leverage the power of the hybrid cloud by enabling faster, seamless and more secure adoption of hybrid cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"The IBM-IISc lab will bring together two leading research organisations in industry and academia to create an ecosystem for Hybrid Cloud research

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The lab will engage not just with academia but also the broader open-source community for wider adoption and acceleration of innovation.

The lab will start with an initial set of projects involving faculty and students from the IISc Departments of Computational and Data Sciences, Computer Science and Automation and Supercomputing Education and Research Centre, alongside scientists from IBM Research's India lab, in several areas including building autonomous, self-healing computing systems that use AI to predict emerging issues, diagnose and heal faults while maximising availability and minimising the cost of operations.

Adopting microservices and optimisation of cloud-native applications that leverage and advance cloud-native

technologies such as Kubernetes and serverless.

This will enable enterprises to bring substantial agility into their IT services and drive new cloud-enabled business models.

Creating AI-based Information Management that enables enterprises to govern, consume, draw insights and create value from data across a hybrid footprint of edge, cloud and diverse data sources.

In addition to IBM's commitment to foster innovations that enable faster adoption of Hybrid Cloud technology, the lab will take an open-access approach by jointly presenting the research findings in premier conferences, hosting workshops and releasing open-source material to the community.

The lab will serve as a hub for fostering the exchange of ideas not just for the members of the two institutions but for the research and industry community in the region.

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Hyderabad, June 23: The students of KL Deemed University here have developed a unique electric bike with wireless charging technology.

The innovative prototype was developed by a team of six like-minded 3rd and 4th year students from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department of KL College of Engineering along with a few university alumni members.

The e-bike developed by the team at KLU allows people to travel at a maximum speed of 55 kmph with a charging capacity that can cover between 85 and 100 km in standard conditions in a single recharge that takes five hours.

The charging technology is coupled with the programmable cell balancing feature that releases maximum battery potential for a long-lasting charge.

The e-bike has futuristic features, including cell balancing and wireless charging, which are only available in a few places around the world.

The team developed the initial concept and prototype utilising their free access to the labs and testing facilities provided by the university, which also has campuses in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The team retrofitted an existing bike and modified it into a prototype for e-bikes

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with wireless charging. The team carried out several variations in the design of the bike which include incorporating the BLDC motor (Brushless DC electric motor) to gear modules through the controller.

The university has offered a grant of Rs 1.40 lakh to the team to incubate this project idea as a startup.

"While the whole faculty appreciates the passion and the hard work of these students, we reiterate the vision of the university to focus on research and innovation for the long-term benefits of the students as well as the country," said Koneru Satyanarayana, President, KL Deemed University.

"We got interested in building prototypes and participating in competitions from our first year itself. The lab-based projects at the KL University provided a strong foundation on working with the components, measurements, machines, and power electronics," said M. Satyardha Pravashik, a B.Tech final year student, who was part of the team that developed the e-bike.

Other team members who were part of the project were Charan Sai Tiruvuri, Sandeep, Kireeti Polasi, S. Lokesh Babu, V. Sai Praveen, all students from the B. Tech EEE 2017 batch, and K. Yashwanth Sai, who is an alumni of the EEE department.

29

DIASPORA

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Three Punjabis appointed Ministers in Ontario

of Citizenship and Multiculturalism that surprised many in the IndoCanadian community.

Toronto, June 19: Three Punjabis were appointed as Ministers in a Cabinet reshuffle in Canada's Ontario province.

am dedicated to working hard with Premier Ford and my colleagues to support Ontarians," Sarkaria said after his elevation.

Moga-born Parm Gill, 47, was on Friday appointed as Ontario's new Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

Nina Tangri, whose family comes from Bilga near Jalandhar, has been made Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.

Prabmeet Sakaria, who in 2019 became the first turban-wearing minister in Ontario when he was appointed Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, now gets a full Cabinet rank as President of the Treasury Board.

"It is an honour to be sworn in as Ontario's President of the Treasury Board. I

Till now, she was serving as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

"Excited to be sworn in as the Associate Minister of Small Business & Red Tape Reduction. Thank you to Premier," Nina said.

But it is the appointment of Gill as Minister

External Affairs Minister Hon'ble Jaishankar Prasad's message on the occasion of Passport Seva Diwas

Gill himself seemed to be surprised when he said: "Who would have thought a young boy who immigrated from India to Canada at a young age, raised by a single mother, would today be sworn in as Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism for the Province of Ontario."

He had previously served as an MP in the House of Commons.

With the Ontario elections exactly a year away, Premier Doug Ford has elevated three Punjabis in his Cabinet with an eye on Indo-Canadian votes in the so-called 905 region around Toronto, including Brampton and Mississauga.

The 905 region, named after the area code, has the biggest concentration of the Punjabi community in Canada.

Indian-American chemist Sumita Mitra wins European Inventor Award 2021 New Delhi, June 18: IndianAmerican chemist Sumita Mitra has won the European Inventor Award 2021, one of Europe's most prestigious innovation prizes, in the "Non-European Patent Office countries" category for her application of nanotechnology in dentistry.

Mitra was the first to successfully integrate nanoparticles into dental materials to produce stronger, durable and more aesthetically pleasing fillings. Her innovation has been successfully commercialised and used in more than 1 billion tooth restorations by dentists around the world.

"Sumita Mitra took an entirely new path in her field, and demonstrated how technological innovation, protected by patents, can transform a sector, and in

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this case bring benefits to millions of dental patients," said Antonio Campinos, President at the European Patent Office (EPO), on Thursday.

"Her invention remains commercially successful nearly 20 years after its launch -- another reason why she is an inspiration to the next generation of scientists," he added.

The 2021 European Inventor Award ceremony was held digitally and, for the first time, was open to the public who tuned in to the event from around the world. The Award, one of Europe's most prestigious innovation prizes, is presented annually by the EPO to distinguish outstanding inventors from Europe and beyond who have made an exceptional contribution to society, technological

progress and economic growth. The finalists and winners in five categories (Industry, Research, SMEs, Non-EPO countries and Lifetime achievement) were selected by an independent international jury.

"Curiosity and exploration are the essential points of starting an innovation. It is

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something that we really need to cultivate in our children," Mitra said.

Sumita Mitra is a partner at Mitra Chemical Consulting, LLC, which advises companies on new technology development, product design, commercialisation, mergers and acquisitions.

American Chemical Society Hero of Chemistry in 2009, inducted into the US National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2018 and elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2021 for her work related to inventions in nanotechnology for use in dental materials.

She was named the /indianabroadnews

30

POLITICS

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Sengar's shadow forces UP BJP to change candidate once more that state BJP president Swatantra Dev Singh had directed him to change the candidate.

Earlier, in April, the BJP had named Kuldeep Sengar's wife, Sangeeta Sengar, as the party candidate for the zila panchayat ward member but replaced her after a similar uproar against her candidature.

Lucknow, June 25: For the second time in three months, the Bhartiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh has been forced to change candidates for the panchayat elections, because they were related to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who has been convicted of rape.

The BJP had named Arun Singh as its candidate for the zila panchayat chairman's post in Unnao but the rape victim appealed against the decision to President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in this regard.

In her appeal, the rape victim said that Arun Singh was one of the co-accused

in the case registered in connection with the accident involving her car on July 28, 2019, in which her two aunts were killed while she and her lawyer were critically injured.

Sengar, a former BJP MLA from Unnao's Bangarmau seat, was accused of rape by the victim in 2017.

A Delhi court had sentenced Sengar to life imprisonment in the case in December 2019.

Arun Singh claimed that though he was initially named in the case but the CBI had given him a clean chit. "Allegations are being levelled against me at the behest of my rivals," he said.

In March 2020, a special court sentenced Sengar, his brother Atul Singh and five others to 10 years' imprisonment in two cases linked to the death of the Unnao rape victim's father in 2018.

The party has named Shakun Singh as its candidate. Shakun is the wife of former MLC Ajeet Singh, who was shot dead in 2005.

Singh was a well-known mafia don of the state.

Kuldeep Sengar was expelled from the BJP and disqualified as member of state assembly after the trial court convicted him.

Unnao district chief Raj Kishore Rawat said

The election for the zila panchayat chairperson will be held on July 3.

Mafia dons, criminal gangs carried out post-poll violence in Bengal: Panel Secretary, Kerala; Nirmal Kaur, IPS (retired), former DGP, Jharkhand; Nisar Ahmed, ex-President, ICSI; and M. Madan Gopal, IAS (retired), former Additional Chief Secretary, Karnataka.

New Delhi, June 29: Hardened criminals, mafia dons and criminal gangs led and carried out the deadly attacks in West Bengal after the declaration of Assembly election results on May 2, as per the report of a fact-finding committee comprising the civil society group ‘Call for Justice, which was submitted to Union Minister of State for Home, G. Kishan Reddy, on Tuesday.

The report said that these elements were unhindered,

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which reveals that there was clear political patronage even before the elections and the same was used to silence the political rivals.

Recognising the spectrum of the incidents of post-poll violence in West Bengal, Call for Justice had constituted a fact-finding committee led by Justice Permod Kohli, former Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court, and comprising Anand Bose, IAS (retired), former Chief

The magnitude and reach of the post-poll violence touched many villages and towns all across the state simultaneously, beginning from the night of May 2.

This is a clear indication that most of the incidents were not sporadic but premeditated, organised and conspiratorial, the committee found.

In most of the cases, the victims were afraid to lodge a complaint with the police either due to fear of reprisal or due to the lack of faith in the police, it said.

The victims who gathered

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PM distracting with theatrics and 'toying' with the future: Rahul Gandhi New Delhi, June 24: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the PM addressed Toycathon-2021 and advised the country's gaming and toy industry to play a big role in this sector.

Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Thursday, "Today, MSME sector employers are themselves facing unemployment. PM is distracting India's present with theatrics and 'toying' with the future."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed on focusing on "toyconomy", advising the country's gaming and toy industry to play a big role in this sector.

By focusing on the toy and gaming sector, the Prime Minister said that crores of rupees going outside the courage to go to the police were either turned away to settle the matter with the culprits or faced flat refusal to register the case.

Many people left their homes and villages for safer destinations, to shelter camps within and outside the state, the report said.

Forcibly taking away Aadhaar cards, ration cards, demanding written undertaking on not to support a particular political party, demanding ransom and protection money (called ‘tolabazi') to return to workplaces or for reclaiming lands or for rebuilding the houses, removal from contractual employment and all such incidents were basically meant to instill a lasting political impact and fear psychosis at large, the report said.

Although the figures of the exact number of casualties, grievous injuries, extent of damage to property are yet to be known fully, the lumpenisation of public life nurtured and protected through powerful lobbies at every level is very clear, it said.

"The intensity and spread of post-poll violence could have been halted or

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country can be saved.

"Today, we import around 80 per cent of our toys as well. That is, crores of rupees of the country are going out on these. Today, the world wants to understand the present potential of India, the art-culture of India, the society of India in a better way. Our toys and gaming industry can play a big role in this," the Prime Minister said while addressing participants of Toycathon-2021 via video conferencing. controlled if the administration and the police had acted in time. An assessment of the ground situation reveals that no adequate or reasonable measures were taken, knowingly or unknowingly," the report said.

The fact-finding team has recommended that the government should initiate disciplinary proceedings against the delinquent officers, including the AllIndia Service Officers, who failed to discharge their duties in protecting the lives of people and destruction of properties.

The services of retired judges of high courts or the Supreme Court should be sought to head these inquiry proceedings, it said.

All the reports prepared by the MHA, NCSC, NCW, NHRC, NCPCR along with the report of the fact-finding committee must be placed before the Supreme Court, it said.

In the light of the overwhelming, ample, substantial and convincing evidence, the Supreme Court may consider constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) immediately, it added.

31

BEAUTY

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Follow Sonam Kapoor's night skincare regime

Miss Diva 2021 calls on transwomen to participate

an insight into her beauty routine and makeup hacks.

In the previous episode, she shares three tips for glowing skin. In the caption, she writes: “From drinking at least 4 bottles of water a day to munching on delicious bowls of salad — I do it all (sic).”

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ctress Sonam Kapoor has been sharing various videos revealing her skincare, haircare and other health and lifestyle habits on her Instagram handle.

In her latest post, the actress shared her night skincare regime and the products she uses.

Wearing an ivory satin night suit, the actress is seen stating: “After all my cleaning is done, I use an eye cream... My under eye is very dry so I have to use that. I use it lightly because too much cream can cause built up inside your tear

ducts and cause swelling.

I use it very lightly and gently.

“Then I use this amazing face cream that I get from Dr Lancer. But if that is not available than I use any moisturizing night cream with Vitamin E. Vitamin E is amazing for your skin...

It’s the best thing for your skin,” she says asserting the importance of Vitamin E for the skin. “And then I use lip balm” The video is episode 6 of Sonam’s Instagram series ‘Vanity Vignettes’ which she started during the lockdown. The actress gives

Her first piece of advice: “Water! Water is the best thing for your skin.

Dehydration is not good for your skin, not good for your body, not good for anything – your mental health or physical health…nothing but water is essential, important and amazing. Keep drinking a lot of water,”

T

Secondly, she empahsised on consuming omega. “If you are a non-vegetarian, fish is the best way to get your omegas. If you’re a vegetarian then I would suggest you to get it from nuts, seeds … walnuts, different chia seeds, lotus seeds or vegetable oils like olive oil, sunflower oil. These are all amazing for your skin.”

The selection process of these finalists entails an online registration process inviting specific audition task submissions on India's leading short video platform -- MX TakaTak.

She also shared the importance of including fibre in our diet for glowing skin. “Lots of vegetables, lots of fruits which are low in sugar and salads because the more fibre you have, the fuller you’ll get and the cleaner your system would be. So chop out that carrot, chop out that broccoli, doodhi (bottle gourd), anything. Just have lots of vegetables.”

Top benefits of lemon for your skin and hair

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emons have always been a fan-favourite when it comes to drinks, salads and foods. The zingy taste, refreshing aroma and bright yellow colour truly captivates all the senses.

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Plabita Sharma, National Training Manager, The Body Shop India shares the benefits of this versatile ingredient used in body care for decades owing to its numerous natural benefits.

to consume lemons is the addition of lemon water in your morning routine; simple squeeze a lemon in lukewarm water and sip to help wake up your system, release toxins and add a zing to your step.

Lemons are an excellent source of Vitamin C, calcium and potassium all of which are known to improve the appearance of the skin, hair and nails too. One of the most common ways

An easy cure for a dry, itchy scalp is to rub a lemon on it for instant effect.

Lemons work great as an antioxidant too due to their richness in Vitamin C which helps fight free radicals

/IndianAbroadNews

he Miss Diva beauty pageant is all set to make history as it calls on transwomen to participate in the contest this year.

The ninth edition of Liva Miss Diva will be held in a virtual format for which auditions have already started.

Thereafter, the shortlisted 20 finalists will undergo rigorous training and grooming in Mumbai to compete for the coveted crown at the Grand Finale in the month of October 2021. And this time, the height criteria has been eased to 5'4" for all the women.

The winner of LIVA Miss Diva 2021 will represent India at the Miss Universe 2021 and LIVA Miss Diva Supranational 2021 will represent the country at the Miss Supranational 2021.

India has won the prestigious title of Miss Universe more than once, with the recent win of Adline Castelino who won the coveted title of LIVA Miss Diva 2020 that added India back on the global map of and boost the immune system.

Whether you choose to integrate the fruit directly or by topical application – it is a must have in your routine. The Body Shop’s Lemon range is formulated with lemon essential

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Miss Universe 2020 as the 3rd Runner Up. The Grand Finale will air on MTV, one of India's popular Youth Channels.

Miss Universe 2020 -- 3rd Runner - up -- Adline Castelino, also shared her emotions about the pageant that proved life-changing for her, "My crowning moment was extremely emotional, and I feel overwhelmed to think of passing it on to the next Miss Diva Universe.

However, I'm also excited about witnessing the entire course of choosing the face of the country, this time from a different outlook and I wish all the luck to the girls aspiring to be LIVA Miss Diva 2021. I'd only like them to know that it's going to be a worthwhile phase regardless of victory or defeat."

Rajnikant Sabnavis, Chief Marketing Officer, Pulp & Fibre business, Aditya Birla Group, "We are very excited to join hands with Miss Diva for the second consecutive year. Liva encourages women to be uninhibited and unrestrained, so does our fabric. Miss Diva, like LIVA, is a platform that allows women of today to live their dreams, unrestrained and we are happy to partner them." oil – a simple hardworking ingredient that is sure to purify and protect your body. This oil which is extracted from lemon peels beautifully carries the clean and crisp fragrance making it a sensorial delight like no other.

32

FASHION

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Victoria’s Secret welcomes women achievers to shape its future

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ingerie giant, Victoria's Secret, bids adieu to its angels as it welcomes on board seven women achievers for a “dramatic shift' in its image. The list includes Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and U.S. soccer champ Megan Rapinoe, among others.

With its new initiative, ‘The VS Collective’, the brand hope to revamp itself and focus on a more inclusive campaign.

Featuring along with Priyanka and Megan Rapinoe are South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech; Los Angelesbased photographer Amanda de Cadenet; Chinese skier Eileen Gu; British model and body activist Paloma Elsesser; and Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio, who made headlines in 2019 for reportedly becoming Victoria Secret's first transgender model.

With the move, the brand aims to inspire women with products, experiences

and initiatives that champion them and support their journey. The initiative is designed to positively impact the lives of women, the brand says.

Speaking about her association with the brand, Priyanka said: “I can vividly remember the thrill at 16 opening a gift from Victoria’s Secret given to me by my aunt. A new era always brings a sense of freedom, and the opportunity to play a part in shaping the evolution and future success of a heritage brand like Victoria’s Secret is so exciting to me. As we work together to chart the path forward in a new and impactful way, I’m not only looking forward to developing future collections that are inclusive of all people, but I am most excited for new customers and for those who have always been a customer of Victoria’s Secret to feel represented and like they belong.”

Martin Waters, Chief

Jahnvi Kapoor’s summer beach glam

A Priyanka Chopra Jonas part of the Victoria’s Secret campaign

Executive Officer, Victoria’s Secret said in a statement: “At Victoria’s Secret, we are on an incredible journey to become the world’s leading advocate for women. This is a dramatic shift for our brand, and it’s a shift that we embrace from our core.

These new initiatives are just the beginning. We are energized and humbled by the work ahead of us.”

Among the first initiatives, the founding members of The VS Collective will share their stories in a recurring podcast hosted by award-winning broadcaster, Amanda de Cadenet. Each episode will showcase the remarkable experiences and perspectives of a member of The VS Collective, as well as reveal further details of their partnership with the brand.

ctress Jahnvi Kapoor’s looks are trending.

Keeping it fun and sassy, the young star plays with bright hues and bold colours. The millennial flaunts her envious curves in colourful bikins and a metallic maillot. In her latest pictures on Instagram, Kapoor is seen enjoying the sunset at the beach and in her villa at the Maldives.

Jahnvi wears a white bikini top by OOKIOH with a contrasting leopard print bikini bottom. She held a striking pose against the setting sun complete with wet hair. She captioned the picture: “Maybe half the beauty of every blurred sunset is that it is fleeting.”

“We are proud to announce an exciting new partnership platform, #TheVSCollective, designed to shape the future of Victoria’s Secret.

These extraordinary partners, with their unique backgrounds, interests and passions will collaborate with us to create revolutionary product collections, compelling and inspiring content, new internal associate programs and rally support for causes vital to women,” said the brand in a press statement.

Victoria’s Secret has launched his initiative nearly two years after its ended the Victoria’s Secret Angel title and cancelled the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2019 due to criticism that the brand didn’t embrace models of all sizes and backgrounds on its runway.

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33

HEALTH

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

Mustard Oil emerges as favourite Covid-19 virus was among health-conscious Indians 'highly adapted' to Neha Patodia, nutritionist and diet consultant, agrees wholeheartedly with Kavita Devgan and points out that the WHO has recommended a ratio of 5:4 (Omega-6 to Omega-3). Cold-pressed mustard oil comes closest to this benchmark with a ratio of 1:1.

Rujuta Diwekar, a prominent nutritionist and fitness expert strongly recommends cold-pressed traditional oils like mustard oil.

New Delhi, June 24: As health consciousness grows among Indians, a large number of people are now reinventing the time-tested goodness of mustard oil in helping people stay fit.

While our "nana-nanis" and "dada-dadis" always seemed to know about the healing properties of "kachchi ghani" mustard oil, new research by scientists has helped shed light on the exact nature of these properties.

A landmark study conducted by the Harvard School of Medicine with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and St John Hospital, Bengaluru, revealed that consuming mustard oil as one's primary cooking and deep-frying oil could reduce the risks associated with coronary heart disease by more than 70 per cent.

Today, many eminent cardiologists like Dr S.C. Manchanda unequivocally recommend cold-pressed (also known as Kachchi Ghani) mustard oil for a healthy heart and vascular system - and nutritionists and dieticians too are unanimous in their belief that mustard oil is among the healthiest cooking oils you can find in the market.

Kavita Devgan, a leading nutritionist, dietician and weight management consultant feels that among the plethora of cooking oils available today, it is better to choose natural cold-pressed oils

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like mustard oil that are rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) but low in Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA).

Umesh Verma, General Manager (Marcom) at Puri Oil Mills Limited (the makers of P Mark Mustard Oil) says: "Speaking at a webinar organized by our company, Ms Devgan had pointed out that cold-pressed mustard oil is, in many ways, a perfect cooking medium in its composition. It has all the right fatty acids in the ideal ratio and is packed with natural vitamins and antioxidants. In our manufacturing processes, we try to keep this natural composition of mustard oil totally intact so that our consumers can enjoy all the nutrients and health benefits that cold-pressed mustard oil promises."

Mustard oil, especially, has zero trans fatty acids (TFA) and that is a vital parameter for health and fitness-conscious consumers.

The major advantage of cold-pressed mustard oil, according to Kavita, is the fact that it has an ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3.

Contemporary diets and food habits have created a major imbalance in the Omega 6-Omega 3 ratio and mustard oil could play a key role in rectifying this.

According to Kavita, this benefit alone is reason enough for making mustard oil your primary cooking oil.

She believes if an oil has been used in a particular region across thousands of years for preparing local cuisines, it means that the oil has become "fine-tuned" to the health and dietary needs of that region.

One can discern this aspect in oil consumption patterns even today. Across north India and some eastern regions, mustard oil is the dominant oil.

In southern states, the dominant oil has traditionally been coconut oil.

According to nutritionist and dietician Vijaya Agrawal, oils extracted from vegetable sources are vital for proper nutrition because they contain certain essential fatty acids like Omega-3 which cannot be synthesised by the human body.

Plant-based oils like mustard oil contain phytosterols which block bad cholesterol (LDL) from being absorbed in the body. One such phytosterol is Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) which significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Dr Manjari Chandra who specialises in Therapeutic Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics views cold-pressed mustard oil as a powerful detoxifying agent, more so when it is combined with the right foods -- especially vegetables loaded with healthy phytochemicals like beta carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, etc.

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infect human cells: Study Sydney, June 25: Australian scientists have found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic, is most ideally adapted to infect human cells -- rather than bat or pangolin cells, again raising questions of its origin.

A team of researchers from Flinders University and La Trobe University used high-performance computer modelling of the form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the beginning of the pandemic to predict its ability to infect humans and a range of 12 domestic and exotic animals.

For the study, published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, the scientists used genomic data from the 12 animal species to build computer models of the key ACE2 protein receptors for each species. These models were then used to calculate the strength of binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to each species' ACE2 receptor.

The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 bound to ACE2 on human cells more tightly than any of the tested animal species, including bats and pangolins. If one of the animal species tested was the origin, it would normally be expected to show the highest binding to the virus.

"Humans showed the strongest spike binding, consistent with the high susceptibility to the virus, but very surprising if an animal was the initial source of the infection in humans," said David Winkler Professor from the La Trobe University in Melbourne.

"The computer modelling found the virus's ability to bind to the bat ACE2 protein was poor relative to its ability to bind human cells. This argues against the virus being transmitted directly from

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bats to humans. Hence, if the virus has a natural source, it could only have come to humans via an intermediary species which has yet to be found," added Nikolai Petrovsky Professor at Flinders University in Adelaide.

Further, the computer modelling showed the SARS-CoV-2 virus also bound relatively strongly to ACE2 from pangolins, a rare exotic ant-eater found in some parts of South-East Asia with occasional instances of use as food or traditional medicines.

Winkler said pangolins showed the highest spike binding energy of all the animals the study looked at -- significantly higher than bats, monkeys and snakes.

"Overall, putting aside the intriguing pangolin ACE2 results, our study showed that the Covid-19 virus was very well adapted to infect humans," he added.

The researchers also noted that the question of how the virus came to infect humans has two main explanations -- the virus may have passed to humans from bats through an intermediary animal yet to be found (zoonotic origin), at the same time it cannot yet be excluded that it was released accidently from a virology lab.

A thorough scientific, evidence-based investigation is needed to determine which of these explanations is correct, they said.

34

HEALTH

Vol 1, Issue 10, July 1-15, 2021

How artificial sweeteners can harm your gut

It is known that bacteria such as E. faecalis which cross the intestinal wall can enter the bloodstream and congregate in the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, causing a number of infections including septicaemia.

London, June 25: Commonly used artificial sweeteners can cause previously healthy gut bacteria to become diseased and invade the gut wall, potentially leading to serious health issues, according to a new research.

The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, is the first to show the pathogenic effects of some of the most widely-used artificial sweeteners -- saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame -- on two types of gut bacteria, E. coli (Escherichia coli) and E. faecalis (Enterococcus faecalis).

Previous studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can change the number and type of bacteria in the gut, but the new molecular research, led by academics from Anglia

Ruskin University (ARU), has demonstrated that sweeteners can also make the bacteria pathogenic.

It found that these pathogenic bacteria can attach themselves to, invade, and kill Caco-2 cells, which are epithelial cells that line the wall of the intestine.

"There is a lot of concern about the consumption of artificial sweeteners, with some studies showing that sweeteners can affect the layer of bacteria which support the gut, known as the gut microbiota," said Havovi Chichger, from ARU's Biomedical Science.

"These changes could lead to our own gut bacteria invading and causing damage to our intestine, which can be linked to infection, sepsis and multiple-organ failure," Chichger added.

This new study discovered that at a concentration equivalent to two cans of diet soft drink, all three artificial sweeteners significantly increased the adhesion of both E. coli and E. faecalis to intestinal Caco2 cells, and differentially increased the formation of biofilms.

Bacteria growing in biofilms are less sensitive to antimicrobial resistance treatment and are more likely to secrete toxins and express virulence factors, which are molecules that can cause disease.

Additionally, all three sweeteners caused the pathogenic gut bacteria to invade Caco-2 cells found in the wall of the intestine, with the exception of saccharin which had no significant effect on E. coli invasion, the researchers said.

WHO certifies China malaria-free after 70-yr effort Geneva, June 30: Following a 70-year effort, the World Health Organization on Tuesday certified that China is malaria free, a notable feat for a country that reported 30 million cases of the disease annually in the 1940s.

"Today we congratulate the people of China on ridding the country of malaria," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO DirectorGeneral, was quoted in an official statement issued by the world body as saying.

"Their success was hardearned and came only after decades of targeted and sustained action.

With this announcement, China joins the growing number of countries that are showing the world that

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a malaria-free future is a viable goal."

China is the first country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to be awarded a malaria-free certification in more than three decades, according to the statement.

Other countries in the region that have achieved this status include Australia (1981), Singapore (1982) and Brunei Darussalam (1987).

Beginning in the 1950s, health authorities in China worked to locate and stop the spread of malaria by providing preventive anti-malarial medicines for people at risk of the disease as well as treatment for those who had fallen ill, the WHO statement said.

In 1967, the Chinese

Government launched the "523 Project" – a nationwide research programme aimed at finding new treatments for malaria.

This effort, involving more than 500 scientists from 60 institutions, led to the discovery in the 1970s of artemisinin, the core compound of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), the most effective anti-malarial drugs available today.

By the end of 1990, the

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Covid virus can evade vaccines, find alternate way to infect cells

New York, June 25: A single mutation gives SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, the ability to enter cells through another route, opening up the possibility of evading Covid antibodies or vaccines, finds a study.

Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists identified how SARS-CoV-2 gets inside cells to cause infection. All current Covid-19 vaccines and antibody-based therapeutics were thus designed to disrupt this route into cells, which requires a receptor called ACE2.

But, the new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis showed that Covid virus has the ability to enter cells via an alternative pathway -- one that does not require ACE2.

While the researchers did not find evidence of SARSCoV-2 evasion to vaccines, the discovery does show that the virus can change in unexpected ways and find new ways to cause infection. The study is published in the journal Cell Reports.

"This mutation occurred at one of the spots that changes a lot as the virus circulates in the human population," said Sebla Kutluay, Assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the varsity.

"Most of the time, alternative receptors and attachment factors simply enhance ACE2-dependent number of malaria cases in China had plummeted to 117 000, and deaths were reduced by 95 per cent.

Within 10 years since 2003, the number of cases had fallen to about 5,000 annually.

Takeshi Kasai, Regional Director, WHO Western /indianabroadnews

entry. But in this case, we have discovered an alternative way to infect a key cell type -- a human lung cell -and that the virus acquired this ability via a mutation that we know arises in the population. This is something we definitely need to know more about," Kutluay added.

For the study, the team screened a panel of 10 lung and head-and-neck cell lines to find relevant cells capable of growing SARS-CoV-2.

"The only one that was able to be infected was the one I had included as a negative control. It was a human lung cancer cell line with no detectable ACE2. So that was a crazy surprise," said M. Ben Major, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at the varsity.

The team discovered that the virus they were using for experiments had picked up a mutation. The virus had originally been obtained from a person in Washington state with Covid-19, but as it was grown over time in the laboratory, it had acquired a mutation that led to a change of a single amino acid at position 484 in the virus's spike protein.

"This position is evolving over time within the human population and in the lab," Major said. "Given our data and those of others, it is possible that the virus is under selective pressure to get into cells without using ACE2. In so many ways, it is scary to think of the world's population fighting a virus that is diversifying the mechanisms by which it can infect cells."

Pacific Regional Office, said: "China's tireless effort to achieve this important milestone demonstrates how strong political commitment and strengthening national health systems can result in eliminating a disease that once was a major public health problem.

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Raashii Khanna: We have a bank Avika Gor on appearing in Telugu game show of great actresses in the South ahead considering the new kind of films that are coming," Raashii tells IANS. "When I started my career, I was very lucky to start my career with 'Oohalu Gusagusalade' , which was a Telugu film and it established me as an actor, but post that everything that I got was very commercial.

'Tholi Prema' was a film that changed things for me because people then said that 'she can act also'," she claims.

Hyderabad, June 20: Actress Raashii Khanna, who works predominantly in Tamil and Telugu films, feels roles for actresses in the South are no longer just about being pretty.

Raashii made her mark with Telugu films such as

"Tholi Prema", "Venky Mama" and "World Famous Lover", after making her acting debut with Shoojit Sircar's 2013 Hindi film "Madras Cafe".

"It's still a male-dominated industry but I think women are making their way

"If you want to stay for long in the Telugu film industry, you have to be a good actor like Anushka Shetty or Samantha Akkineni. These are the women who are changing the way people are looking at actresses down South, which wasn't there earlier. Earlier you had to just look pretty and do great in songs. Now you have to be a good actor and I think we have a bank of great actresses in the South as well. It is starting now and I still feel we have a long way to go," says Raashii.

'Sixth Sense 4' Mumbai, June 19: Actress Avika Gor appeared on the Telugu game show "Sixth Sense" season 4 and raised Rs 1 lakh for an NGO. "It's my second time on the show. This was as good and better. We had some amazing moments with the emotion ranging from action, intense to very emotional," Avika said.

"All the money we raised goes to Camp Diaries, which is an NGO. Let's stay strong and within protocols.

The pandemic is far from over. Let's focus on getting vaccinated and developing immunity," she said.

The "Balika Vadhu" fame actress was recently seen

in the music video "Dil ko mere", which dropped on May 17.

Zareen Khan wants to do much more than look 'hot' in films

The actress who will soon be seen in "Thank You" alongside Naga Chaitanya, adds: "Everything is changing, everyone is going pan-India and everyone is going into different languages."

Arshi Khan seeks Salman Khan's help to find a groom on 'Swayamvar' Khan.

Mumbai, June 19: Actress Arshi Khan, who rose to fame on "Bigg Boss 14", is back to reality TV with the show "Swayamvar". She wants actor and "Bigg Boss" host Salman Khan to help her choose the right life partner.

"I feel Salman sahab should help me find a groom in the show. He is the only person who has helped me grow and succeed. He has given me lessons of a lifetime on 'Bigg Boss'," Arshi

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As per the format of "Swayamvar", the actress will decide who she wants as her husband.

Arshi who has appeared in television shows like "Vish" and "Savitri Devi College & Hospital", says she plans to do more OTT projects after 'Swayamvar' "I have many roles offered to me for the OTT screen.

But I'm missing out on them because I'll be busy shooting for my 'swayamvar'. But after I'm done, I will return back to acting and will sign more OTT projects," she says.

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Mumbai, June 29: Actress Zareen Khan gave content-driven performance a serious shot in her latest release "Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele". She now hopes to get meaningful roles rather than just put makeup on and look glamorous.

"I have been offered a couple of different types of roles, I am keeping my fingers crossed," she says.

She hopes that people now see her in a different light

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after "Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele", an offbeat, OTTreleased film about a gay man and a lesbian woman, and their self-discovery on a road trip.

"I hope people see me in a different light and they do offer me roles that I really want to do -- meaningful roles rather than just putting on make-up and looking hot. I want to do much more than that," she said.

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Pranutan: OTT is creating fantastic content

Mumbai, June 24: Actress Pranutan, who made her Bollywood debut in 2019 with "Notebook", is awaiting the release of her next film "Helmet" opposite Aparshakti Khurana. While theatres are still non-functional, OTT platforms have taken the onus to provide entertainment. The young actress is in awe of the content being generated on the digital platforms.

"I think the medium doesn't matter and the fact should only matter is honing your skills as an actor. I don't think we should get too caught up in our comfort zones. The kind of response audience is giving to OTT is amazing," Pranutan tells IANS. Grand-daughter of the late legend Nutan, and

daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl, the budding actress says that finds many shows exciting and inspiring.

"It's inspiring to watch such stories and such actors.

Throughout 'The Family Man', I couldn't get my eyes off. My opinion about OTT is that they are creating fantastic content. I am an absolute fan of so many shows -- 'The Family Man 1 and 2', 'Paatal Lok', 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story' -- many of them," she says.

The actress features in the music video of Palak Muchhal's new song "Lag raha hai dil deewana", which launched on Wednesday. The track aims at taking the audience back to their college days,

Rashmika Mandanna moves into new house in Mumbai

says the actress.

"It's very sweet song and will take you back to your college days. It has a lot of innocence and I had a great time shooting in Chandigarh University," she says.

Pranutan knows music videos have emerged as a quickfix mode for young actors to get an exposure, especially amidst lockdown when cinemas are shut.

"If you act in any medium, it doesn't matter which one is it. You are just portraying your talent. Every time I come in front of the camera, that is my playground and it is my learning space.

It doesn't matter what I am doing as long as I am getting better at my talent," says Pranutan.

Mumbai, June 23: Telugu actress Rashmika Mandanna, who will soon make her Bollywood debut with "Mission Majnu", has moved into her recently-purchased apartment in Mumbai. The actress updated her fans on Instagram Stories, on Wednesday.

"Dear diary, Ahhhh so much happened today, I finally shifted to the apartment! had to shop so many Ill things...( I am still not done) (gahhhh it's an never ending expense) aura was

out all day...1 had to meet 2 of my friends I had to set up the place.. (Sai (my assistant) helped me) Aura and I passed out cz we were so tired," she wrote with a picture of her dog Aura.

Apart from the spy thriller "Mission Majnu", the actress will also be seen in the Hindi film "Goodbye" starring Amitabh Bachchan.

She also has the Telugu film "Pushpa" lined up, starring Allu Arjun.

Sunny Leone has 'no time to be blue' Mumbai, June 19: Bollywood actress Sunny Leone looks pretty in blue in a series of new pictures she posted on Saturday.

In the images uploaded on Instagram, Sunny wears high-waisted sky blue pants paired with a matching crop top. She completes the look with blue danglers, white stilettos and subtle make-up.

"No time to be blue!!!" she wrote as the caption, referring to the fact that although her attire is blue, her mood is far from sullen.

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Girl power on OTT: Unconventionally in the digital spotlight Mumbai, June 23: The world of OTT is reimagining female protagonists with a different perspective. As the spotlight shifts on woman power in the digital space, characteristics of the heroine that was hitherto untapped have come to fore.

A recent instance is Vidya Balan's new release "Sherni", where she is seen playing a forest officer caught in the quagmire of the sexism-laden 'sarkari' workplace, even as the she fights to protect wildlife.

Through the eyes of Vidya Vincent, her on-screen character, the film looks at rapid erosion of forest land, poaching, threat to wildlife in the name of development and chauvinistic "babu culture".

For Vidya, "Sherni" refers to all women who derive their identities from the work they do. She agrees the digital platforms get instant reactions.

"What happens is when a film releases you need to wait until Saturday morning to know how it is received. When it is a theatrical release the box office matters the most.

Whereas with 'Shakuntala

Devi', the film was released at midnight and when I woke up the next morning, I had a barrage of messages from people who stayed up the night before to watch it at 12am. So, I think I wasn't expecting to receive feedback instantly. I think both are great," Vidya told IANS.

"It's not often that you get to portray a character that lets you explore so many layers as a performer. Rani Bharti has been a delight to play.

She starts off as someone whom we all know and relate to but what she goes onto become is someone few of us can aspire for," Huma said.

Samantha Akkineni made an impactful digital debut with the second season of "The Family Man 2", as the antagonist Raji, a Sri Lankan Tamil terrorist.

The role is complex, and Samantha has very few lines to speak. Her character balances her vulnerability as a person who knows nothing beyond her movement and what she perceives is her idealism, and is at the same time she is a ruthless person who will go to any extent to get what she wants.

One of the most powerful and unusually imagined female roles on OTT has been Shefali Shah as the fierce cop DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in web series "Delhi Crime", which won the Best Drama Series award at the 48th International Emmy Awards.

Then there is actress Huma Qureshi in the web series "Maharani", which tells a story of an illiterate wife of an indisposed chief minister being pushed into the hot seat of Bihar politics. The series made it easy to understand the much talked-about fodder scam.

Shefali in an interview to IANS recalled how, back in the day, Bollywood reduced its women characters to props, noting how the OTT space and new-age films have ushered change.

"That has changed. OTT has opened the world to us as actors and heroes as well.

We are going back to that stage, "she had said.

Rasika broke the taboo of talking about female desires with her character Beena, and she eventually metamorphosed from a demure bahu to a fierce woman.

During a Twitter chat with IANS, Rasika said: "(It) was a relief to have female desire acknowledged. (It was) an interesting departure and therefore liberating to

explore such a beautifully flawed character. I lived vicariously through Beena," Rasika told IANS on Twitter when questioned.

Shruti Haasan switches from sweatpants to saree for Insta post

Rasika Dugal has been one of the biggest success stories in the OTT era. She wowed the audience with her role in season one and two of the web series "Mirzapur" as Beena Tripathi.

Romantic anthology 'Feels Like Ishq' to release digitally on July 23 Mumbai, June 25: "Feels Like Ishq", an anthology of six romantic stories toplined by Radhika Madan and Amol Parashar, will drop digitally on July 23.

The series also features Kajol Chug, Mihir Ahuja, Simran Jehani, Rohit Saraf, Saba Azad, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Zayn Khan, Neeraj Madhav, Tanya Maniktala and Skand Thakur.

Mumbai, June 25: Actress Shruti Haasan posted a picture of herself in a saree on Instagram on Friday, and the compliments poured in.

"Hi there!!! Been ages since I wore anything traditional!!

It's been the sweatpants look for days and days and days. So, here's a Friday flashback for you," Shruti wrote with her picture post.

The stories are directed by Ruchir Arun, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, Anand Tiwari, Danish Aslam, Jaydeep Sarkar, Sachin Kundalkar and Devrath Sagar.

The series is set to release on Netflix.

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lakh likes within three hours of upload.

The actress, who is currently in Mumbai, informed fans recently about finally getting out of her house after three months with all required precautions.

On the work front, Shruti will be seen in Telugu film "Salaar" alongside Prabhas and Tamil film "Laabam" with Vijay Sethupati.

The post received over two

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